By Lindsay Tice,Staff Writer

Because 10,000 Mainers are still unable to get what they need from the new and beleaguered federal drug program, Maine officials said Tuesday the state plans to pick up the tab for weeks or months more, and appeal for additional federal reimbursement.

“I think we’ll probably be going through this until May,” said Jude Walsh, head of prescription drug programs for the Governor’s Office of Health Policy and Finance.

The federal government’s Medicare Part D was supposed to be an easy way for the elderly and disabled to get low-cost medications. But problems arose as soon as the program started Jan. 1.

Some people weren’t in the computer system, even though they had proof they were enrolled in the new drug program. Some were told they had a plan, but it didn’t cover the medications they needed. Others got a plan and their drugs, but were charged up to $100 when they had expected a $1 co-pay.

On Jan. 3, the state told pharmacists to fill all prescriptions. Customers would get a 30-day supply of medications, paid under their old prescription plan. The state promised payment, calling it a “safety net.” Other states and cities facing the same problems soon followed.

The federal government said states would be reimbursed for their expenses, but only until Feb. 15. Maine asked for – and last week won – an extension through March 8.

But the state believes about 10,000 Mainers are still having trouble with the drug program. Officials plan to ask for a second extension, securing reimbursement through the end of the month, Walsh said. Although the issues are slowly being resolved, she believes the state may need extensions through spring.

“If one person isn’t getting their drug benefit, it’s not right,” she said.

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