An Act To Allow the Synchronization of Prescriptions
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 24-A MRSA §2769 is enacted to read:
§ 2769. Prescription synchronization
1. Synchronization. If a health plan provides coverage for prescription drugs, a carrier:
A. Shall permit and apply a prorated daily cost-sharing rate to a prescription that is dispensed by a pharmacist in the carrier's network for less than a 30-day supply if the prescriber or pharmacist determines that filling or refilling the prescription for less than a 30-day supply is in the best interest of the patient and the patient requests or agrees to less than a 30-day supply in order to synchronize the refilling of that prescription with the patient's other prescriptions;
B. May not deny coverage for the dispensing of a medication prescribed for the treatment of a chronic illness that is made in accordance with a plan developed by the carrier, the insured, the prescriber and a pharmacist to synchronize the filling or refilling of multiple prescriptions for the insured. The carrier shall allow a pharmacy to override any denial codes indicating that a prescription is being refilled too soon in order to synchronize the patient's prescriptions; and
C. May not use payment structures incorporating prorated dispensing fees. Dispensing fees for partially filled or refilled prescriptions must be paid in full for each prescription dispensed, regardless of any prorated copay for the insured or fee paid for alignment services.
2. Application. The requirements of this section apply to all individual and group policies, contracts and certificates executed, delivered, issued for delivery, continued or renewed in this State. For purposes of this section, all contracts are deemed to be renewed no later than the next yearly anniversary of the contract date.
SUMMARY
This bill requires certain health insurance carriers to allow prescriptions to be dispensed by a pharmacist for less than a 30-day supply if it is in the best interest of the patient.