Committee unanimously supports Sen. Baldacci bill to assist Mainers with health insurance

AUGUSTA — On May 1, 2025, The Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services voted unanimously in favor of the amended LD 1310, “An Act to Amend the Laws Governing Insurance Coverage of Preventive and Primary Health Services,” a bill sponsored by Sen. Joe Baldacci, D-Bangor.

“Going to the doctor can be an uneasy and uncertain experience for many Mainers — both emotionally and financially. There’s nothing worse than needing immediate care, but hesitating because you do not know if you’ll be able to afford it,” said Sen. Baldacci. “This bill seeks to ease this uncertainty. I am grateful for the support of my colleagues in seeing that we need more transparency and support for folks who may not even know the full price of their medical treatment.”

As amended, LD 1310 will allow zero deductible health plans (ZDHPs) to be offered in Maine’s fully insured, large group market by creating a limited and conditional exemption from the requirement that the first primary care and behavioral health office visits be provided free of charge to the member.

Under a ZDHP, members are responsible only for a single combined co-pay and therefore know exactly what they are going to pay before their office visit. This removes the uncertainty and fear of high medical costs that too many Mainers face when deciding whether to seek medical care.

ZDHPs have also been shown to increase utilization of primary care, preventive services and cancer screenings when compared to other health care plans.

LD 1310 now faces votes in the Senate and House.

Sen. Baldacci represents District 9, which includes Bangor and Hermon in Penobscot County.

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