Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §2682 is enacted to read:

§2682.__Prescription drug pricing information system

The department shall establish and maintain a toll-free telephone line to provide information on prescription drug pricing by private industry.__This system must provide information on prescription drug pricing, including sliding scale payment plans and free prescription drugs offered by drug companies; advise callers on generic and name brand options; and send and provide assistance in filling out forms required by private companies to take advantage of offers of discounted or free drugs.__The toll-free telephone line must be staffed by an operator knowledgeable about prescription drugs and current industry selection and pricing.__The operator shall refer the caller to a generic equivalent of a brand name drug if a generic equivalent is available.__Rules adopted to implement this section are major substantive rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II-A.

SUMMARY

This bill establishes a toll-free telephone number administered by the Department of Human Services to provide information on prescription drug prices and to give advice and assistance in applying for discount or free drugs from private drug companies.