Massachusetts lawmakers on Dec. 29, 2005, approved a bill that would allow the state to provide temporary assistance with prescription drug costs for state residents enrolling in the new Medicare drug benefit, which began on Jan. 1, the Boston Herald reports. According to the Herald, many Medicare beneficiaries have expressed concern that they do not know which Medicare drug plan best fits their needs. The bill, sponsored by state Sen. Mark Montigny (D), is intended to ensure that beneficiaries who are confused by the different options are able obtain their medications (Heldt Powell, Boston Herald, 12/30/05). Under the bill, the state would reimburse pharmacies for a one-time, 30-day supply of prescription drugs if the medication is not covered under the Medicare beneficiary's new drug plan. The 30-day time period would allow beneficiaries to obtain a prescription for a different medication, ask their Medicare drug plan to begin covering the medication or switch to a different plan, the AP/Boston Globe reports. The offer will be valid for six months after the start of the Medicare benefit. The bill also requires the state to cover an emergency, 72-hour supply of prescription medication if a Medicare drug plan drops coverage for a drug (AP/Boston Globe, 12/30/05). State residents who currently are enrolled in Prescription Advantage -- a state-subsidized drug plan for individuals over age 65 and those younger than age 65 who meet income-eligibility requirements -- will be eligible for the additional help. Prescription Advantage is being replaced by the Medicare drug benefit. The bill now goes to Gov. Mitt Romney (R) (Boston Herald, 12/30/05).