On Jan. 7, Gov. Mills announced that she will allow a bill from Sen. Cameron Reny, D-Bristol, LD 697, “An Act to Direct the Maine Prescription Drug Affordability Board to Assess Strategies to Reduce Prescription Drug Costs and to Take Steps to Implement Reference-based Pricing,” to become law. The new law will strengthen the Maine Prescription Drug Affordability Board (MPDAB) and reduce prescription drug costs.

“The prices of everyday costs are increasing in Maine at a rapid pace, and Mainers should not have to wonder if they are going to be able to afford medication that is necessary for them to live,” said Sen. Reny. “I am hopeful that LD 697 will be able to lower the price of prescription medications and, ultimately, provide relief for many Mainers, especially those who are older, have disabilities or chronic illnesses, and families.”

The bill will add one non-voting member with health data expertise to the MPDAB to advise the Board as it considers cost reduction strategies for drug procurement by health care providers, ways to reduce the rate of growth in prescription drug prices, and how to reduce cost barriers for consumers. The bill requires the board to research a variety of specific strategies for reducing drug prices and then provide recommendations to the Legislature on the most effective policies for Maine.

As non-emergency legislation, the new law will take effect 90 days after the 132nd Maine Legislature adjourns the Second Regular Session, which began last week.

Sen. Reny represents Maine Senate District 13, which includes most of Lincoln County and the towns of Washington and Windsor.