Rep. Michelle Boyer

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Maine's Department of Health and Human Services to remove prior authorization requirements for deep sedation or general anesthesia used during dental procedures for MaineCare members, effective July 1, 2026. It also establishes a reimbursement rate for these anesthesia services at 67% of the commercial median benchmark, which must be maintained until June 30, 2028 or until a formal dental rate determination is completed. Additionally, the bill requires the department to keep temporary reimbursement rates for tooth extractions and dental caries treatments in place until the same deadline. These changes aim to simplify administrative processes and ensure consistent payment for dental anesthesia services under Maine's public health insurance program.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires most health insurance plans in Maine to cover annual prostate cancer screenings without cost-sharing (like copays or deductibles) for men aged 50 to 72. It mandates coverage for digital rectal exams, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests, and medically necessary follow-up testing (such as imaging or lab work) when recommended by a doctor. The coverage must align with the most recent nationally recognized clinical guidelines for early detection. It applies to individual and group health insurance policies issued in Maine, excluding limited-benefit plans like accident-only or Medicare supplements. The law takes effect for policies renewed on or after September 1, 1998, with annual coverage requirements tied to current medical evidence.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows physician associates to work as the main healthcare providers in clinics that do not have a doctor on staff, removing the current requirement for them to have a formal practice agreement with an active physician. It also changes consultation rules by making it optional for physician associates to consult with physicians and removes the mandate that a physician must be available at all times for consultation. These changes aim to address shortages of medical providers, particularly in rural areas, by increasing the number of physician associates who can practice primary care. The legislation applies to physician associates, healthcare facilities, and medical practices across Maine.

Maddy summaryLD 2061 clarifies Maine's law prohibiting fees for customers who opt out of paper billing statements. It directly affects customers receiving billing statements (like from banks or utilities) and the businesses providing them. The bill explicitly allows businesses to charge a reasonable, disclosed, and customer-approved fee for special requests - such as replacement statements, custom date ranges, or statements for financial/legal purposes - but prohibits fees for simply choosing electronic delivery. This update ensures transparency for customers while clarifying existing law under Public Law 2025, chapter 35.

Maddy summaryLD 961 repeals a requirement that certified nurse practitioners (CNPs) in Maine must practice under physician supervision for two years before providing independent care. It also eliminates the "supervising nurse practitioner" designation, which was previously used to oversee CNPs during their supervised period. This change directly affects CNPs by removing barriers to independent practice, allowing them to provide care without the two-year restriction. The bill aims to address Maine's health care workforce shortage by expanding access to qualified providers.

Maddy summaryLD 874 establishes a Maine state program to provide financial relief to Maine-resident state and federal employees who lose pay during government shutdowns lasting over 7 days. The bill creates a special fund managed by the Treasurer to guarantee loans made by eligible Maine credit unions or financial institutions to these affected employees. Employees must prove their Maine residency, employment status, and income to qualify for loans covering up to 90 days of lost wages during the shutdown. The state will reimburse lenders for any unpaid loans through the fund, with repayment guaranteed for borrowers during the shutdown period or a 90-day grace period after. This program directly benefits Maine-based government workers facing financial hardship due to federal or state shutdowns.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires MaineCare to reimburse pharmacists for prescribing, dispensing, and administering HIV prevention drugs (like PrEP) at the same rate paid to physicians, starting January 1, 2027. It mandates that insurance carriers cover at least one approved HIV prevention drug per administration method (e.g., oral pills or long-acting injections) without prior authorization or out-of-pocket costs. Pharmacists must follow specific protocols, including verifying a recent negative HIV test and providing counseling, before dispensing these drugs. The law directly affects pharmacists, MaineCare enrollees, and insurance carriers by expanding access to HIV prevention services and clarifying coverage requirements.

Maddy summaryLD 163 requires all health insurance plans in Maine covering prescription drugs or outpatient services to fully cover federally approved nonprescription oral hormonal contraceptives and emergency contraceptives without any deductibles, copays, or coinsurance. This applies directly to health insurers and enrollees, eliminating out-of-pocket costs for these specific contraceptives. The bill clarifies that no prescription is needed to obtain these items, and coverage must include supplies for a full 12-month period. It specifically excludes coverage for abortion-inducing drugs. The law updates Maine’s health insurance coverage requirements to align with federal contraceptive approvals.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires MaineCare (Maine's Medicaid program) to reimburse for breastfeeding support services provided in hospitals or at home. It directly affects parents of children eligible for MaineCare or the Children's Health Insurance Program, even if the parent themselves isn't covered by MaineCare. The law mandates reimbursement for services delivered by certified lactation consultants (specifically those certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners). The Department of Health and Human Services must apply for a federal state plan amendment by January 1, 2026, to implement this change.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Maine's Department of Health and Human Services to create educational materials about perimenopause and menopause. It directs the department to partner with healthcare providers (like OB/GYNs) and community health programs to develop both digital and physical resources. The materials will explain symptoms, treatments, when to seek care, the biological process, and how to discuss these changes with others. These resources will specifically target people who menstruate and are experiencing perimenopause or menopause.