SENATE ENACTS HEALTH CARE EXPANSION

Legislature puts politics aside to “do what’s right” for Maine people

AUGUSTA—The Maine Senate voted 23-12 to accept federal health care funds to expand healthcare coverage to nearly 70,000 low-income and working Mainers.

“This bill not only addresses the challenges for individuals, it addresses the fiscal challenges that face our state,” said Senate Majority Leader Seth Goodall of Richmond. “Is it perfect for each side of the aisle? No. Is it a compromise in the best interest of the state? I would argue yes. It is what’s right for Maine people.”

Under the Affordable Care Act, the federal government has agreed to pay 100% of the cost for covering all newly eligible people for the first three years, and then gradually lower payment to no less than 90 percent of the cost by 2020. Maine is projected to save $690 million in the next 10 years if it accepts the federal dollars, according to the nonpartisan Kaiser Foundation and the conservative Heritage Foundation. Maine is also one of 10 states that will see Medicaid expenditures go down over the next 10 years.

“I had cancer five years ago. If it weren’t for my health insurance, if it weren’t for my annual physical exam, I would be dead,” said Senator Geoff Gratwick of Bangor. “Those of us in this room are all recipients of an incredible system of healthcare. Who are we to deny others access to that system?”

Nearly 70 percent of Maine people support accepting federal health care dollars to increase access to health care, according to the nonpartisan Maine People’s Resource Center.

The bill, LD 1066, “An Act To Increase Access to Health Coverage and Qualify Maine for Federal Funding,” was amended to ensure savings, and sunsets the acceptance of federal dollars after three years on December 31, 2016.

The bill will now go to the Governor for his signature.

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