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LD 2151, “An Act to Improve Affordable Prescription Drugs in Underserved Areas,” is currently making its way through the Maine Legislature. I write to urge our community and the wider state to support this important bill.
If passed, this bill would improve access to affordable prescription medications for the people of Maine who live in rural and underserved areas, which as we know is a large geographical portion of the state. In a little more than a decade one-tenth of Maine’s pharmacies have closed. The closures of these pharmacies have negatively impacted those who live in rural areas especially, making it significantly more challenging for residents to be able to access needed medications.
For some, prescription medications are life-sustaining and not a choice. With the cost of living continuing to rise, it is crucial that medications are affordable and accessible to everyone.
Furthermore, supporting this bill would mean financially supporting federally qualified health centers in Maine, which in turn would expand the pharmacy capacity within the state thus expanding access to the critical medications that Mainers need. By supporting this bill we are ensuring that all people who live in Maine, no matter where they live in Maine, have access to affordable medications.
Erin O’Kane
Bangor