Four axes from current statute and agency guidance. Teal bar = substitution/assistance/access in place; amber = permissive or absent.
| Generic substitution mandate | Mandatory by statute |
| State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program | Maine Low Cost Drugs for the Elderly or Disabled (DEL) |
| 90-day fills permitted | Allowed |
| PMP mandatory prescriber query | Required by statute |
Maine mandates generic substitution. Under 32 M.R.S.A. § 13781, a pharmacist shall substitute a less expensive interchangeable drug product unless the prescriber has indicated "dispense as written" or "medically necessary" on the prescription. The substitute must be FDA AB-rated.
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services administers MaineCare (Maine Medicaid + CHIP) pharmacy benefits and maintains the MaineCare PDL. MaineCare runs primarily as fee-for-service. Non-preferred drugs require prior authorization initiated by the prescriber.
Preferred Drug List: View current PDL
Prior authorization contact: MaineCare Pharmacy: 1-888-445-0497
Maine operates the Low Cost Drugs for the Elderly or Disabled (DEL) program, a Medicare-recognized SPAP that pays a portion of prescription costs for eligible Maine residents aged 62+ or disabled. DEL coverage is creditable Medicare coverage and works alongside Medicare Part D for dually-eligible enrollees. Administered by Maine DHHS.
Eligibility: Age 62+ or disabled adults, Maine resident, income limits applied based on household size. Verify current thresholds on program site.
Maine permits 90-day fills of non-controlled chronic medications. Out-of-state pharmacies must hold a Maine Nonresident Pharmacy license. Federal CSA refill limits apply.
Maine operates a Prescription Monitoring Program administered by DHHS Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services. Under 22 M.R.S.A. § 7253, prescribers must check the PMP before initially prescribing or dispensing a Schedule II opioid or benzodiazepine. Dispensers must report Schedule II-IV dispensing within one business day.
PMP portal: Maine Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP)
Maine hosts a 340B network including MaineHealth, Northern Light Health, FQHCs across Portland/Bangor/rural counties, and Ryan White clinics.
Find a 340B clinic in Maine: HRSA OPAIS database (ME filter)
Our sister site OmniRx maintains a federal-side patient assistance program directory covering manufacturer PAPs, foundation copay assistance, GoodRx-style discount cards, and 340B locators applicable nationwide.
Once the law side is clear, the next question is which pharmacy actually has the cheapest fill. Use the RxGrab Pharmacy Finder to compare CostPlus Drugs, Costco, Walmart, Amazon Pharmacy, and other discount pharmacies on your specific medication, and read our generic vs brand explainer for the bioequivalence rules behind every substitution.
Yes by default they must under 32 M.R.S.A. § 13781, unless your prescriber wrote "dispense as written" or "medically necessary."
The Low Cost Drugs for the Elderly or Disabled (DEL) program is Maine's SPAP for residents 62+ or disabled. It pays a portion of prescription costs and counts as creditable Medicare coverage. Apply through Maine DHHS.
MaineCare is the state's Medicaid program. Pharmacy benefits run primarily as fee-for-service with a unified PDL.
Yes for the first prescription of a Schedule II opioid or benzodiazepine under 22 M.R.S.A. § 7253.