ME LD2151

Appropriates $4 million in one-time funding for fiscal year 2026-27 to help federally qualified health centers develop or expand pharmacy services in rural and underserved communities

Eligible uses include planning, designing, and constructing licensed retail pharmacies; expanding 340B federal drug pricing program availability; adding pharmacy locations; installing automated pharmacy systems; and addressing pharmacy workforce issues

Department of Health and Human Services must allocate funds equitably based on cost-effectiveness, feasibility, and availability of other pharmacy services in applicant areas, with initial awards required by December 15, 2026

Applicants must have at least 60 days to prepare applications, and evaluation teams must include a majority of members with federally qualified health center management experience

Designated as emergency legislation taking effect immediately upon approval, citing declining retail pharmacy availability and restrictive drug manufacturer practices as urgent public health concerns