Maine Legislators advocate for protecting federal MaineCare funding, safeguarding healthcare access

Posted: May 06, 2025 | Senator Daughtry, Senator Ingwersen

AUGUSTA – In response to potential federal cuts to Medicaid that would rip away access to healthcare for Mainers through MaineCare, Maine Legislative Democrats gathered today at the State House to advocate for preserving access to quality, affordable healthcare. The press conference, held after Tuesday’s legislative session, focused on the urgent need to protect federal funding for MaineCare, which provides essential healthcare coverage to hundreds of thousands of Mainers, particularly in Maine’s most rural communities.

“MaineCare isn’t just a program — it’s a lifeline. We are not asking for a luxury. We are demanding basic human dignity. Half of Maine children and one in three Mainers rely on MaineCare,” said Senate President Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick. “That’s not just a number — it’s our children, our parents, our neighbors. If Washington turns its back now, the consequences will be catastrophic. Healthcare should never be treated as a bargaining chip.”

“There is work to be done to make progress on a healthcare system that all too often leaves people behind,” said Senate Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, Sen. Henry Ingwersen, D-Arundel. “I’m proud to stand with my colleagues to advance good proposals as far as possible. But we should not go backwards. We must work to protect access to care in our state and use our voices to demand that politicians in Washington stop pursuing reckless cuts that would hurt Maine people.”

“Democrats remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting MaineCare and ensuring that every Maine child can access quality, comprehensive and affordable health care. But the harsh reality is that we can’t do it alone,” said House Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, Rep. Michele Meyer, D-Eliot. “Federal funding for MaineCare is critical, and it’s at serious risk — a risk that we simply can’t ignore. Ripping away this funding would lead to worsening long-term health outcomes for Maine kids, and higher health care costs for families at a time when many cannot afford it.”

As the legislative session moves forward, Maine Democratic lawmakers remain committed to ensuring that MaineCare is adequately funded, reflecting the state’s commitment to the health and well-being of all its residents. Speakers also highlighted work that reflects Legislative Democrats’ commitment to promoting quality, affordable and accessible healthcare, including, but not limited to, bills that would:

  • Prohibit the use of AI in the denial of health insurance claims (LD 1301, Sen. Mike Tipping)
  • Protect consumers from the negative impacts of medical debt (LD 558, Sen. Donna Bailey)
  • Safeguard Maine’s family planning network (LD 143, Senate Majority Leader Teresa Pierce)
  • Expand access to doula care (LD 1523, Rep. Deqa Dhalac)
  • Expand access to overdose-reversing medications (LD 710, Rep. Samuel Zager)

Photo Caption: Senate President Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick, speaks at the “Stand Up for MaineCare” press conference.

Photo Caption: Senate Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee Sen. Henry Ingwersen, D-Arundel, speaks at the “Stand Up for MaineCare” press conference.

Photo Caption: House Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee Rep. Michele Meyer, D-Eliot, speaks at the “Stand Up for MaineCare” press conference.

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