Dear Editor:I am writing to express my strong support for the re-election of Holly Stover, Maine state representative for house district 48.  In her time as representative, Stover has worked to ensure affordable and high quality education, affordable permanent housing, and access to affordable and comprehensive health care.

As a former health care provider, I am particularly impressed by Stover’s bill eliminating the Mainecare requirement for prior authorization of substance abuse treatment medication.  Medication assisted treatment of opioid use is one of the most effective ways to combat this potentially lethal disorder.   I have witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of opioids in Maine, one of the hardest hit states in the epidemic.  A few medications have proven helpful to victims in their fight to break the grips of addiction.   Prior authorization often leads to unnecessary delays in receiving these medications which can be detrimental to individuals desperate for help.  These delays can exacerbate their struggles, pushing them further into addiction and increasing the likelihood of overdose or other serious consequences.  By removing these barriers, Representative Stover is not only streamlining access to treatment but also demonstrating a commitment to prioritizing patient well being over bureaucratic hurdles.

With Stover's prior authorization bill and others, Maine is now headed in the right direction in the fight against opioid addiction.  CDC data shows a 16% decrease in drug overdose deaths (12/22-12/23), far surpassing the 3% average decrease across the nation.  Non fatal overdoses in Maine decreased by 12% in 2024 (Mainedrugdatahub).  Representative Stover’s initiative has contributed to this inroad by allowing healthcare providers to focus on delivering care rather than navigating red tape.  By simplifying the treatment process, she is fostering an environment where recovery is not only possible but probable. 

The opioid addiction battle in Maine is far from over, but with the targeted, smart legislation of Representative Stover we have started to turn the corner.  I urge our community to rally behind the re-election of Holly Stover, who is working hard to improve the lives of all Mainers, one bill at a time. Sharon Mogul, MD
South Bristol