Sen. Joe Baldacci introduces bill to assist Mainers with health insurance

AUGUSTA — On Tuesday, April 8, Senator Joe Baldacci, D-Bangor, presented LD 1310, “An Act to Amend the Laws Governing Insurance Coverage of Preventive and Primary Health Services,” to the Committee on Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services during a public hearing for the bill.

“For many, going to the doctor means stress and uncertainty, especially when those feelings are accompanied by unexpected costs,” said Sen. Baldacci. “According to a recent Consumers for Affordable Health Care survey, 70% of Mainers reported not knowing how much they will have to pay out of pocket for a medical service or prescription.  LD 1310 is our opportunity as public representatives to remove this financial uncertainty for Mainers.”

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 awaits further action in committee.