Maine Senate gives initial support for Sen. Brenner’s bill to expand health care coverage for PFAS blood testing

AUGUSTA — On Wednesday April 3, the Maine Senate gave initial support to a bill from Sen. Stacy Brenner, D-Scarborough. LD 132, “An Act to Require Health Insurance Carriers to Provide Coverage for Blood Testing for Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances,” received a bipartisan vote of 22-7. On Tuesday, April 9, the House voted in favor of the bill 82-61. This bill would require private health insurance companies to cover the cost of blood testing for PFAS.

“As chair of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee and co-chair of the PFAS Advisory Fund Committee, I have heard first-hand how PFAS contamination has effected people across our state,” said Sen. Brenner. “They are worried about their health and the health of their families. We must do all that we can to ensure they have access to blood testing so they can mitigate the effect of PFAS contamination.”

“PFAS contamination has been identified in well water sources and farm fields across the state of Maine, putting those who rely on those resources at risk of hazardous chemical exposures,” said Denise Tepler of the Maine Public Health Association. “There is no approved method to remove PFAS chemicals from an exposed person’s body. However, the assessment of personal exposure can help impacted patients understand their health risks and take steps to prevent or mitigate future adverse health effects.”

PFAS, also called “forever chemicals,” are man-made chemicals that have been widely used and linked to potential negative health effects. The human body also cannot break down PFAS on its own, meaning that these forever chemicals can remain in someone’s body for decades. Blood testing ensures that Mainers can know their level of PFAS exposure and the related health risks.

LD 132 faces additional votes in the House and Senate.