For more information about insurance coverage of clinical trial costs, see this feature's main page: States That Require Health Plans to Cover Patient Care Costs in Clinical Trials ¹.

Legislation: 24-A: Maine Insurance Code ²

Effective: 1999

What clinical trials are covered?

Clinical trials enrolling individuals who have a life-threatening or serious illness for which no standard treatment is effective. Trial must be approved and funded by any one of the following:

• National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• an NIH-sponsored cooperative group or center
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Who is required to pay?

Managed care organizations and private insurers.

Other key provisions:

• Participation must offer meaningful potential for significant clinical benefit to the enrollee.
• Referring physician must conclude that trial participation is appropriate.