Maine Rx Plus Applications Now Online

AUGUSTA—Applications to enroll in Maine Rx Plus are now available online at the Department of Human Services Web site. Maine Rx Plus officially began on January 17, lowering drug prices for more than 275, 000 Maine residents.

The price decrease only occurs for members of Maine Rx Plus, a program negotiated by the state in partnership with over 100 pharmacies in Maine and Northern New Hampshire.
Being able to access the applications online will make it easier for many people sign up for the program. Even those without Internet capabilities at home can log on to the Internet for free at the local library.

Maine Rx Plus permits the state to work as a pharmaceutical benefits manager for citizens without prescription drug coverage. The state will directly negotiate with pharmaceutical companies to coordinate similar prices to what the state pays for Medicaid recipients.

Negotiated rebates will be distributed to pharmacies that participate in the program. “The Maine Rx Plus program is a step in the right direction to help people buy life-saving medications at reasonable prices,” said Rep. Bob Duplessie, Assistant Majority Leader.

The program serves Maine residents with incomes up to 350 percent of the federal poverty level. The 73,000 participants in the former Healthy Maine program are eligible, and will receive Maine Rx Plus cards in the mail automatically.

Also, individuals with incomes up to $31,440 per year, couples earning up to $42,420, and families of four with incomes up to $64,400 qualify for the Maine Rx Plus card. Members of the Drugs for the Elderly program are also eligible for Maine Rx Plus. Seniors in this program will be integrated into the Maine Rx Plus system, and be able to use one card for both programs.

Cardholders will be eligible for 10 to 25 percent discounts off brand-name pharmaceuticals and a 60 percent discount for generic medication listed as preferred drugs in the MaineCare program. Subscribers should present the card at a participating pharmacy when filling or refilling prescriptions to receive the discount. A list of participating pharmacies can be found by clicking here.

Residents who wish to sign up for Maine Rx Plus should log on to at http://www.maine.gov/dhs/mainerx/index.htm or call 1-866-RxMaine (1-866-796-2463). TTY/TDD (207) 287-1828 or 1-800-423-4331. Many health care providers and participating pharmacies will also have information.

For a Maine Rx Plus application and information about the program, click here.