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MaineLD 178132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

An Act Regarding Coverage for Step Therapy for Metastatic Cancer

Sponsored By: Kristi Mathieson (Democratic)

Became Law

INSURANCEINSURANCE - HEALTH INSURANCE

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

No step therapy for metastatic cancer

Insurers and their review companies cannot make you try other drugs first for metastatic cancer. This applies when the drug is FDA-approved and on your plan’s drug list. It also covers symptoms or side effects that a doctor says would harm your health if untreated. Metastatic cancer means cancer that has spread. This rule applies to plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026.

Small funds to enforce step-therapy ban

The state provides small funds to carry out the new coverage rule. The Department of Administrative and Financial Services receives $7,176 from the General Fund and $2,496 from the Highway Fund for fiscal year 2026-27. The appropriation is effective July 1, 2025. This supports enforcement and does not directly change your taxes or benefits.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Kristi Mathieson

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Denise Tepler

    Democratic • Senate

  • Sally Cluchey

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 448

    5/1/2026

  2. On motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin taken from the Special Appropriations Table PASSED TO BE ENACTED in concurrence.

    6/25/2025Senate

  3. On motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin PLACED ON THE SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS TABLE pending ENACTMENT in concurrence.

    6/2/2025Senate

  4. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    5/29/2025House

  5. Report READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-272) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-272), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.

    5/28/2025Senate

  6. CONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-272).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    5/27/2025House

  7. Carried over, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.

    3/21/2025House

  8. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH COVERAGE, INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES in concurrence

    1/14/2025Senate

  9. Committee on Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH COVERAGE, INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    1/14/2025House

Bill Text

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