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Maine Health Insurance News
- Federal cash could expand insurance program for poor childrenPortland Press Herald, 1/25/09. A bill working its way through Congress could stabilize and possibly allow expansion of a program that provides health insurance for poor children in Maine.
- Group cites health-care demandSun Journal, 1/17/09. A group says its survey of nearly 200 Maine small businesses shows support for a public health care plan and greater government oversight over health insurance.
- Maine group cites health-care demandMaine Today, 1/16/09. A consumers' group says its survey of nearly 200 Maine small businesses shows support for a public health-care plan and greater government oversight over health insurance.
- TO YOUR HEALTHKennebec Journal, 1/16/09. Consumers for Affordable Health Care and other groups announced a renewed effort Thursday to make health insurance information easier to understand and access.
- Health Insurers Challenged By Consumer AdvocatesMPBN, 1/15/09. A coalition of consumer advocacy groups, medical professionals and legislators are pressing the state's private insurers for greater accountability through new legislation touted as Maine's health care bill of rights. Sponsored by Representative Sharon Treat, the bill would require insurers to reveal what a health insurance policy covers before it is purchased and to publicize policy details to allow consumers to make an informed choice.
- Should state employees pay more for health insurance?Bangor Daily News, 1/12/09. At the present, single state employees bear no portion of the cost of health insurance.
- Dirigo Health Reverts To Prior Funding FormulaMPBN, 12/18/08. More than a month after Maine voters turned down a plan to fund the state's Dirigo Health insurance program through a tax on beverages, the dust has begun to settle. Dirigo Health will revert back to a controversial funding formula that involves an annual fee on insurers.
- Dirigo support picked up lateKennebec Journal, 12/18/08. The coalition that opposed the effort to repeal a new beverage tax picked up the pace of its fundraising in the weeks leading up to the Nov. 4 election.
- Insurance ReformBangor Daily News Staff, Bangor Daily News, 12/10/08. The country’s health insurance industry was praised last week for joining the national debate over universal health coverage. Pledges to give up its ability to reject people with pre-existing medical conditions and its long-standing objection to guarantees of insurance coverage could represent a significant change for the insurance industry. A major stumbling block to health insurance and care reform, however, could be what the industry wants in exchange, perhaps weak requirements for basic coverage.
- Beverage tax foes fined $10,000Portland Press Herald, 11/24/08. The Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices voted 4-0 today to fine Fed Up With Taxes $10,000 for filing campaign finance reports late.
- Dirigo's FutureBangor Daily News Staff, Bangor Daily News, 11/19/08. The repeal of taxes on beer, wine and soda to fund the Dirigo Health program leaves lawmakers with the difficult task of keeping the controversial program afloat. They should focus their efforts on capturing savings and reducing costs, while not losing sight of the fact that Dirigo is more than a subsidized insurance program.
- Health-plan companies taken to taskMorning Sentinel, 11/17/08. Closer oversight of companies and better information for consumers -- those are among the goals from the top state official who oversees Maine's insurance industry.
- Session to help state retirees with insurance changePortland Press Herald, 11/14/08. Experts will offer details of the change in health insurance providers.
- Water and wind: New tax revenue?Douglas Rooks, Times Record, 11/13/08. When the Taxation Committee is at work, there's an old ditty that summarizes the discussion: "Don't tax him, don't tax me — tax the guy behind the tree."
- It's time to compare Medicare drug plansPortland Press Herald, 11/11/08. Federal officials visited the state Monday to remind Medicare-eligible Mainers to check their prescription drug coverage to make sure it's the most appropriate and affordable of the 46 plans available.
- Dirigo's future unclearKennebec Journal, 11/9/08. The head of a coalition that hoped to keep beverage taxes in place to support Dirigo Health wants to talk to the business community to discuss the future of the program.
- Some say referendum sends clear messageKennebec Journal, 11/9/08. Those who follow state tax and spending issues at the Statehouse say voters have sent a clear message to the Legislature when it considers a new budget -- don't raise taxes, at least not in this economy.
- What next for Dirigo after funds are killed?Portland Press Herald, 11/9/08. The head of a coalition that hoped to keep beverage taxes in place to support Dirigo Health wants to talk to the business community to discuss the future of the program.
- Baldacci to ask Obama to help Dirigo HealthBangor Daily News, 11/8/08. Gov. John Baldacci says he will ask the new administration of President-elect Barack Obama in January to allow the state to expand the Dirigo Health insurance program using the federal Medicaid program.
- Spending decisionsBangor Daily News, 11/8/08. The Democratic celebration over the party’s gains in the Maine Legislature will be short-lived, if it ever started. The day after Election Day, Gov. John Baldacci issued an order to cut state spending by $150 million, which is likely to prompt the Legislature to meet in a special session before the year is over. Although the state’s financial shortfalls have more to do with the free-falling national economy than with state spending decisions, this problem will fall squarely at the foot of Democrats, requiring difficult decisions about where to reduce state spending.
- Tax repeal sets tone for next LegislaturePortland Press Herald, 11/8/08. After a couple of failed attempts, tax foes finally mustered a victory in a statewide referendum in Maine.
- Bangor employer faces 'Fear of the unknown' in keeping workers healthyBangor Daily News, 11/6/08. Bangor restaurateur Peter Geaghan offers health insurance to 10 of his employees through DirigoChoice.
- Dirigo funding, resort casino shot down, bond leadsTimes Record, 11/5/08. A new tax adopted in April by the Legislature was repealed by a vote of the people Tuesday, leaving the Dirigo Health insurance program to rely on its former funding method.
- Voters Cork Beverage TaxEllsworth American, 11/5/08. A new tax adopted in April by the Legislature was repealed by a vote of the people Tuesday, leaving the Dirigo Health insurance program to rely on its former funding method.
- Voters strongly support beverage tax repealPortland Press Herald, 11/5/08. Results Tuesday showed voters strongly supporting Question 1, a repeal of taxes on beer, wine, soda and other beverages to help pay for Dirigo Health.
- Beverage tax repeal effort succeedsBangor Daily News, 11/4/08. Shortly after midnight, No on One proponents in Portland celebrated their victory in getting Maine’s new tax on beverages repealed.
- Without a group, health insurance is hardPortland Press Herald, 11/2/08. Fixing the individual market for health insurance requires new rules, including a mandate to buy coverage.
- Bishop to voters: Don't repeal new beverage taxPortland Press Herald, 10/31/08. The Roman Catholic Church's leader in Maine is urging people to vote "no" on a referendum question regarding the new beverage tax designed to help fund the state's health insurance program.
- Drink tax will put pennies to work in the right placesPortland Press Herald, 10/31/08. I am a Maine-born citizen, a Registered Professional Nurse, the owner of Hummingbird Home Care, an employer, a Dirigo Choice policy holder and a member of the Blue Ribbon Commission that recommended the new funding for the Dirigo Health.
- Take time now to study health care options for next yearPortland Press Herald, 10/30/08. This is the time of year when employees have to make decisions about the health insurance plan they want to have in place for next year.
- AUGUSTA Tax foes raise $3.5M Group seeks to kill beverage tax, which helps pay for DirigoKennebec Journal, 10/28/08. Fed Up With Taxes, the group behind Question 1 on the Nov. 4 ballot, has raised $3.5 million to fund a campaign to overturn taxes on beer, wine, soda and other flavored drinks, according to campaign finance reports filed Friday.
- VOTE 'NO' ON QUESTION 1: Health coverage, quality care most important issuesMaroulla Gleaton, M.D., Kennebec Journal, 10/28/08. As a local physician, I appreciate the opportunity to address concerns about Question 1. On Election Day, Maine voters will decide what is more important to them: preserving and expanding health coverage for Maine families, children and small businesses; lowering the current assessment on health claims; providing rate reform to 40,000 Mainers who pay for their own health insurance, or pennies on a glass of wine, a beer or soda.
- Chamber challenges DirigoSun Journal, 10/27/08. The Maine State Chamber of Commerce has gone to court to challenge this year's $48.7 million savings offset payment by health insurers to support the state-sponsored Dirigo Health program.
- Differences In Question One Debate Focus On The NumbersMPBN, 10/27/08. On November 4, Maine voters will be asked Question One: whether they want to repeal a beverage tax that would fund the state's Dirigo Health program.
- 'No' on Question 1 good for businessJo Linder, Portland Press Herald, 10/26/08. Financing more health care coverage this way will reduce the burden on employers and society to provide it.
- Question 1 is about health careCraig R. Olson, Bangor Daily News, 10/25/08. I am voting No on Question 1 and I want to tell you why. With every government program there are so many ways to go wrong and, so it seems, to do right. Out of 100 things, a program may do 99 things right, but the one mistake or shortcoming garners all the publicity. This has been a stumbling block for the Dirigo Health Program.
- Chamber Challenges Dirigo Health FundingMPBN, 10/24/08. The state Chamber of Commerce has a filed a lawsuit challenging the funding for Dirigo Health.
- "No" on One for Better Health Care ValueChristopher St. John, Ellsworth American, 10/23/08. Controlling health care costs in Maine is essential and that’s one reason why Mainers should vote “no” on Question One.
- QUESTION 1 Beverage tax not right way to fund DirigoKennebec Journal, 10/23/08. We urge you to vote "yes" on repealing the beverage tax for two simple reasons:
- Taxes versus health careBangor Daily News, 10/23/08. As Maine goes, so goes the nation? The state’s former reputation as a national bellwether is no doubt on the minds of those who both support and oppose Question 1 on the November ballot.
- DIRIGO DEMISE FEARED Health-care advocates say rejection of beverage tax could have 'crippling' effectKennebec Journal, 10/21/08. Opponents of Question 1 -- a repeal on beverage taxes to pay for Dirigo Health -- said Monday that Dirigo would be "crippled" if the new funding source isn't allowed to go into effect.
- Doctors blast 'Fed Up With Taxes' campaign's advertisements, studyBangor Daily News, 10/21/08. The doctors and others who oppose Question 1 on the Nov. 4 ballot on Monday blasted new advertisements and an economic study commissioned by their political foes, calling them misleading.
- Health professionals urge rejection of Question 1Portland Press Herald, 10/21/08. Opponents of Question 1 – a repeal of beverage taxes that would help fund Dirigo Health – said Monday that Dirigo would be further "crippled" if the new funding source isn't allowed to go into effect.
- Supporters of beverage tax: Opposition's claims hard to swallowPortland Press Herald, 10/21/08. A coalition that supports new taxes to help fund the state-sponsored Dirigo Health program said Monday that an opposition group is inflating the financial impact of the taxes.
- 'No on 1' means better health careTimes Record, 10/20/08. Dr. Erik Steele, chief medical officer for Eastern Maine Health Care Systems in Bangor and a columnist for the Bangor Daily News, a few weeks ago gave a striking talk to a gathering of the Maine Health Management Coalition titled, "Maine is Burning."
- Question 1: Both sides make a case in beverage tax debatePortland Press Herald, 10/20/08. A supporter of repeal calls it 'a massive tax,' while an opponent says it promotes health.
- Drink-tax repeal proposal targets method of funding DirigoPortland Press Herald, 10/19/08. With the Nov. 4 election fast approaching, voters have a lot of decisions to make. In addition to the presidential race, congressional seats and legislative contests, voters in Maine will be asked to decide three ballot questions.
- Drink-tax repeal proposal targets method of funding DirigoPortland Press Herald, 10/19/08. With the Nov. 4 election fast approaching, voters have a lot of decisions to make. In addition to the presidential race, congressional seats and legislative contests, voters in Maine will be asked to decide three ballot questions.
- Drink-tax repeal proposal targets method of funding DirigoPortland Press Herald, 10/19/08. With the Nov. 4 election fast approaching, voters have a lot of decisions to make. In addition to the presidential race, congressional seats and legislative contests, voters in Maine will be asked to decide three ballot questions.
- Workplace health plans could prove more costlyPortland Press Herald, 10/18/08. Brace yourself for the next financial whammy: It's open enrollment season for workplace health insurance plans – and many of the 158 million Americans who receive employer-based health insurance can expect to pay more of the costs.
- Insurance costs soar beyond wagesBangor Daily News, 10/16/08. Health insurance premiums in Maine rose more than five times faster than median income in the state between 2000 and 2007, according to a new report from the national health care advocacy organization Families USA.
- Question 1: Should beverage tax be rejected to fund Dirigo?Village Soup, 10/15/08. A debate over whether a new tax should fund the Dirigo Health program has both sides criticizing the process that led to Question 1 on the Nov. 4 ballot.
- Beverage tax foes hold sway financially in MaineBangor Daily News, 10/11/08. The group leading the beverage tax repeal effort has raised more than $2 million, records indicate, while defenders of the pending law have raised less than $200,000.
- Beverage tax foes raise $2MKennebec Journal, 10/11/08. The group that's leading the effort to overturn a beverage tax imposed by the Legislature has raised more than $2 million to support its campaign.
- A "Yes" Vote on Question 1Ellsworth American, 10/9/08. Back in the spring, majority Democrats in the Maine Legislature, with little or no public discussion, pushed through legislation doubling the tax on beer and wine, creating a new tax on soft drinks and imposing a 1.8-percent surcharge on all claims paid by health insurance companies and self-insured businesses. The estimated $75 million in revenue generated by those changes was earmarked to keep alive Dirigo Health, a subsidized insurance program that never has fulfilled expectations and should have been allowed to die a natural death.
- Report: Beverage tax a financial burdenMaine Biz, 10/9/08. A proposed tax on beer, wine and soda to help fund the state's Dirigo Health program will pose a financial burden to Mainers, according to a study by the University of Maine.
- Study: burden of new tax too heavyBangor Daily News, 10/9/08. The doctors and others who oppose Question 1 — the ballot initiative that would repeal a new beverage tax on soda, beer and wine designed to help pay for and expand DirigoChoice — say the tax would cost Mainers mere pennies per drink.
- Coalition pushes to keep drink taxPortland Press Herald, 10/7/08. A coalition that is trying to convince voters to keep a newly enacted tax on beer, wine and soda urged Mainers on Monday to find another way to show their frustration with taxes, rather than repeal funding that could provide health coverage for Mainers.
- Coalition forming to support beer, soda taxMaine Today, 10/6/08. With less than a month to the election, a coalition is coming out in support of keeping Maine's beer, soda and wine tax in place to ensure Dirigo health is adequately funded.
- Senate District 4: Candidates differ on state insurance planPortland Press Herald, 10/6/08. Republican Kristi Bryant is trying to unseat Democratic state Sen. Nancy Sullivan in the race for the Maine Senate District 4 seat, which represents Arundel, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and part of Biddeford.
- Study Assesses Question One Cost At $40 Million A YearMPBN, 10/6/08. A report released Monday by the University of Maine says the state's new beverage taxes, at the heart of Question 1 on this November’s ballot, will cost Maine businesses and households more than 40 million dollars a year.
- Both presidential candidates propose bold changePortland Press Herald, 10/5/08. When Jessica Moore owned a small business in Portland, the insurance she carried had such a high deductible she found it almost impossible to use. Now she is back in school, getting her master's degree and working part time, and has no insurance at all.
- People should veto law at issue with Question 1Portland Press Herald, 10/5/08. The pending tax on soda, beer and wine that is the subject of Question 1 on the November ballot won’t cause businesses to fail or taxpayers to go bankrupt. For all the worries and claims about its potential impact, a few extra pennies on a can of soda or a bottle of beer is likely to amount to little more than an annoyance.
- SENATE DISTRICT 18 RACE Candidates differ on health care, taxesMorning Sentinel, 10/4/08. The Senate 18 race pits a politically seasoned 74-year-old incumbent against a 46-year-old newcomer to elected office.
- MCMH, Anthem Come to TermsEllsworth American, 10/2/08. Hours after announcing that Maine Coast Memorial Hospital and Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Maine had reached an agreement on a contract extension, hospital officials celebrated MCMH’s past achievements and future prospects.
- Anthem, Maine Coast reach agreementBangor Daily News, 10/1/08. Last-minute negotiations on Monday have resulted in an agreement between Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Maine Coast Memorial Hospital that will keep the hospital in Anthem’s network of health care providers through the end of 2009.
- Health Care Cost QuestionsBangor Daily News, 9/30/08. A dispute between the hospital in Ellsworth and the state’s largest health insurance company is a symptom of a much larger problem. Without adequate information on what health care costs, insurers, lawmakers and others have no real idea whether medical care in Maine is too expensive.
- Referendum won't kill DirigoJohn Porter, Portland Press Herald, 9/28/08. But it will put the controversial health care program back to where it stood six months ago -- needing change.
- Dirigo Health claimed savings off by 66 percentPortland Press Herald, 9/25/08. It looks like financing for Maine’s program to promote affordable health care will remain limited, perhaps just enough to keep it steady – and stuck.
- Hospital, Anthem Still Doing BattleEllsworth American, 9/25/08. With the contract between Maine Coast Memorial Hospital and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Maine set to expire in less than a week, both sides say they will continue to negotiate a new contract.
- Dirigo charge set at $48.7MTimes Record, 9/24/08. The state can assess a $48.7 million fee on insurance companies and self-insured businesses to pay for the subsidized DirigoChoice health care plan next year based on a ruling by the superintendent of insurance released Tuesday.
- Dirigo Funding to IncreaseMPBN, 9/24/08. The state's Dirigo Health program is poised to get the most funding it has from Private Insurers in the last four years of its existence.
- Ellsworth hospital balks at Anthem’s demandsBangor Daily News, 9/23/08. A stalemate in negotiations between Maine Coast Memorial Hospital and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield could result in the hospital being removed from the company’s provider network and in costs increasing for the approximately 6,000 Maine Coast patients covered by the insurer.
- MCMH Patients Facing Loss of Anthem CoverageEllsworth American, 9/17/08. As many as 6,000 patients covered by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Maine soon may be denied coverage for treatment and care provided by Maine Coast Memorial Hospital.
- State urges MaineCare use for kidsBangor Daily News, 9/12/08. As Maine children and their families settle into the back-to-school routine, state officials are hoping parents will enroll their youngsters in the health care coverage they need to stay healthy and succeed in school. About 19,000 Maine children and teens are uninsured, and 11,000 of them are eligible for comprehensive coverage through MaineCare, the state’s Medicaid program.
- Remember: Children need access to health careElinor Goldberg and Richard Lucas, Bangor Daily News, 9/11/08. With so many issues facing us in a heated presidential campaign, including worries about the economy, the Iraq war, the housing markets and taxes, access to health care for children is one issue that’s at risk of being forgotten.
- Advocates press for health care overhaulBangor Daily News, 9/10/08. Advocates for national health care reform on Tuesday announced the launch of a door-to-door campaign in the Bangor area, aimed at boosting voter registration and building support for an overhaul of the nation’s health care system.
- Pittsfield gathering discusses health care issuesBangor Daily News, 9/8/08. One mother worried that both her adult sons have no health insurance. One man talked about how his insurance costs rose to a level he could not afford when he decreased his work hours. An older woman asked questions about statements she receives from a health care plan she never signed up for.
- Weighing excellence, equity in health careJonathan Henry, Kennebec Journal, 8/25/08. Some days, I'd like to forget the last 12 months of my life. In August 2007, at 44, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. After research and second and third opinions, I was successfully treated in Bangor via robotically assisted surgery. Thanks to an excellent surgeon-urologist, I am blessed to be cancer-free (and, yes, prostate-free as well).
- Claims Of Excessive Private Health Insurance Industry ProfitsMPBN, 8/7/08. An association of progressive groups released a study today detailing what they claim are excessive profits in the nation's private health insurance industry.
- Veto override doesn't settle big debate over MedicarePortland Press Herald Staff, Portland Press Herald, 7/18/08. The recently concluded battle between President Bush and Congress over Medicare has largely been framed as a disagreement over payments to doctors. But the subplot to this override of Bush's veto runs deeper and remains unresolved.
- GAO finds tax abuse in MedicareSun Journal, 6/20/08. Thousands of hospitals, nursing homes and other Medicare health providers owe the federal government more than $2 billion in payroll and other back taxes.
- Augusta: Deadline approaches for people's veto effortsBangor Daily News, 6/17/08. The deadline is fast approaching for petitioners seeking to repeal two newly enacted laws to submit their voter signatures to the Maine Secretary of State’s Office.
- Newell Augur: Maine residents fed up with undemocratic taxesBangor Daily News, 6/17/08. Maine families are struggling financially. We already have one of the highest tax burdens in the country. Gasoline and heating oil prices are out of sight. Costs of milk, bread and many other basic necessities are rising so fast, it is hard to keep up.
- Doctor opens no-insurance practiceBangor Daily News, 6/16/08. Amid all the sound and fury of the health care debate, one local doctor is taking a quiet step toward simplicity.
- Drink tax spurs intense actionPortland Press Herald, 6/16/08. Advocates and opponents of a veto fight their battle before petition signatures are even submitted.
- Maine to take part in health care reform initiativeMPBN, 6/5/08
- Money pours in over beverage tax fightThe Times Record, 6/5/08. Stakes are rising in the battle over a people's veto campaign to repeal the beer, wine, soda and health insurance taxes passed to support the state's subsidized DirigoChoice program, with proponents raising $182,100 for their campaign and opponents raising $110,050 — all in the last month.
- Insurance company refunds Mainers $5.6MMainebiz, 6/4/08. MEGA Life, a health insurance company based in Texas, will refund $5.6 million in overpaid premiums to Mainers, according to the Maine Bureau of Insurance.
- Business and HealthEditorial Staff, Bangor Daily News, 6/2/08. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has plunged into a growing national debate over health care reform.
- Allen offers health-care proposal that's a blend of private and publicPortland Press Herald, 5/29/08. WESTBROOK — Democratic U.S. Rep. Tom Allen, who hopes to unseat Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins on Nov. 4, unveiled a health-care plan Wednesday that would combine private insurance with new and expanded government programs to provide coverage for all Americans, at an annual cost of $75 billion to $100 billion.
- What Australia can teach us about health careKaren Hover, Bangor Daily News, 5/28/08. As Americans, we are taught to think that a free market is good because it keeps prices low. In health care, however, free market forces breed complexity, and complexity is costly.
- New health-care tool likely to help control costsEditorial staff, Kennebec Journal, 5/27/08. Ask anyone who understands anything about the nation's health-care crisis, and they'll tell you that controlling ever-rising medical costs is a huge part of the solution.
- Coalition objects to tax on beveragesBangor Daily News, 5/22/08. A coalition of
- Health savings accounts touted at Bangor business lunchBangor Daily News, 5/22/08. A small group of area businessmen and businesswomen gathered at the Sea Dog Restaurant on Wednesday to hear a presentation about health savings accounts, a form of health care coverage that promises to save money for businesses and their employees.
- Mainers deserve vote on new taxesNewell Augur, Portland Press Herald, 5/22/08. If I understand the recent editorial ("People's veto should be saved for central issues," May 11), the paper supports the concept of a people's veto but feels that it should be used only for major issues.
- Signatures sought for 'people's veto' of new beverage taxKennebec Journal, 5/22/08. New state taxes on beer, wine and soda are at the center of an emerging showdown between anti-tax activists and health-care advocates.
- Anthem to post prices online for 39 proceduresPortland Press Herald, 5/21/08. The state's largest private health insurer is offering its half-million members in
- Maine’s Health Insurance CrisisRichard Malaby, The Ellsworth American, 5/15/08. Health care costs in Maine are out of control: our state ranks second highest in the nation in per capita health care spending. One big reason for this is the cost of health insurance.
- Small Maine firm snags healthy breakBangor Daily News, 5/14/08. Employees of WoodenBoat Publications will see their health insurance premiums go up by close to 8 percent this year ...
- A health care bargainEditorial staff, Bangor Daily News, 5/13/08. An ambitious universal health plan pending in Congress has just received a green light from congressional budget and tax analysts.
- What drives Maine's health care costs?WCSH - Channel 6 TV, 5/13/08.
At a time when all of us are worried about the price of gas and food, another big expense continues to climb much faster than the rate of inflation: health care.
- Uninsured and wanting optionsJosie Huang, The Checkup Blog, 5/12/08. More than 56,000 people in Maine qualify for health insurance but don't know it.
- Dirigo Health costs hit $100M since '05keepMecurrent.com, 5/7/08. The subsidized Dirigo Health insurance program, whose funding is now being threatened by a people's veto, has cost the state more than $100 million since it started in 2005.
- Four repeal efforts target Dirigo taxes, driver's license rulesPortland Press Herald, 5/7/08. Maine election officials said Tuesday that they've accepted applications from four groups challenging a pair of recently enacted laws, but the four could morph into two as the campaigns develop.
- Richmond businessman fears impact of people's veto effortKennebec Journal, 5/6/08. RICHMOND -- Bill Keleher runs a small business where he needs to provide health insurance to his workers to stay competitive.
- Prescription for SavingsEditorial Staff, Bangor Daily News, 5/3/08. A recent report found that health care spending in Maine is well above the national average with worse than average results.
- Opening a look, inside ourselvesEditorial Staff, Sun Journal, 5/1/08. It's deplorable to think (and worse to accept) that health insurance is stymieing perhaps the most groundbreaking scientific achievement of this century: understanding the human genome.
- Maine incomes outpaced by health insurance costsPortland Press Herald, 4/29/08. Mainers have seen the cost of health insurance grow faster than their incomes in recent years, although the disparity was less dramatic than for the nation as a whole, according to a study released today.
- Study lauds Maine health care solutionsBangor Daily News, 4/29/08. It's no news that the cost of health insurance is out of reach for many families, but a new report from a respected national organization adds urgency to the search for a national solution.
- It's time to reform medical insuranceMatthew Arnett, Bangor Daily News, 4/28/08. About a month ago BDN columnist Dr. Erik Steele said it was about time we find ways to cut medical costs.
- Snowe's bill bars genetic discriminationPortland Press Herald, 4/23/08. The Senate is expected to pass the measure, aimed specifically at insurance companies and employers.
- Physical therapists sue AnthemBangor Daily News, 4/16/08. BANGOR, Maine — At least a hundred Maine physical therapists have joined forces in a class-action lawsuit against the state’s largest health insurance company, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Maine, according to the plaintiffs’ attorney.
- State woes don't necessarily need law to 'fix' themEditorial Staff, Morning Sentinel, 4/15/08. Lastly, do no harm. That's our request to the members of the 123rd Legislature, as they frantically dash their way to the finish line.
- Bill aims to rescue troubled DirigoChoiceBangor Daily News, 4/8/08. Flanked by legislative Democrats and other supporters, Gov. John Baldacci on Monday held a Cabinet Room press conference to promote a bill aimed at restoring financial viability to his faltering DirigoChoice health insurance program.
- Bill sets fixed fee for Dirigo insurersPortland Press Herald, 4/8/08. Health insurers in
- Keeping health insurance rates in checkRick Burns, Portland Press Herald, 4/6/08. As Anthem reaps big profits, it asks for its customers in Maine to risk more for the medical care they need.
- $1 million fine plus refunds for insurerSun Journal, 4/4/08. AUGUSTA (AP) - Maine state officials say MEGA Life and Health Insurance Company, accused of improperly determining premiums for individual health insurance policies, has agreed to pay a $1 million fine and to refund $4.6 million, plus interest, to consumers.
- Dirigo's futureEditorial staff, Bangor Daily News, 3/18/08. The idea of using savings to increase access to health insurance was a cornerstone of the state’s Dirigo Health program, so it is unfortunate to see this linkage abandoned.
- Raising tobacco tax makes senseMark Ishkanian and Ed Miller, Kennebec Journal, 3/18/08. The growing budget deficit, coupled with a need to find a more secure funding source for the Dirigo Health Initiative and the drive to keep
- It's time to get real about health care costsErik Steele, DO, Bangor Daily News, 3/11/08. The problem for every canine that ever chased a car was what to do when he caught it.
- Maine joins lawsuit over MedicaidBangor Daily News, 3/3/08. AUGUSTA - Maine is joining three other states in a lawsuit against the federal government over new Medicaid rules.
- Legislators told of need to track toxic chemicalsPortland Press Herald, 2/29/08. State House: Lawmakers are urged to protect kids by adopting new rules for household products.
- Guaranteed health care, not just insuranceDeborah Burger and Maureen Caristi, Bangor Daily News, 2/28/08. Anyone who thinks forcing people to buy insurance as "universal health care" ought to talk to Susan Siens of Unity.
- Law enforcement, health officials decry planned cutsMorning Sentinel, 2/27/08. A forum Tuesday at
- An expert's eye, trained upon DirigoEditorial Staff, Sun Journal, 2/18/08. Give Gov. John Baldacci credit - his nominee for insurance superintendent, Mila Kofman, is a qualified, experienced professional, with extensive background in studying and evaluating state health insurance initiatives.
- Senate OKs insurance bureau headBangor Daily News, 2/15/08. In a party-line vote, the Maine Senate on Thursday upheld Gov. John Baldacci’s nomination of Mila Kofman to head the state’s Bureau of Insurance.
- Barriers to Opiate Addiction Treatment Still ExistMaine Public Broadcasting Network, 2/13/08. It's been five years since the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of buprenorphine for the treatment of opiate addiction.
- Legislative panel backs insurance commissioner nomineeTimes Record, 2/12/08. Gov. John Baldacci's nomination of Mila Kofman of Georgetown University Health Policy Institute as the state's new superintendent of insurance is moving ahead...
- Committee Reviews Insurance FundingMaine Public Broadcasting Network, 2/8/08. Members of the Legislature's Appropriations Committee worked without a break today, trying to conclude the public hearing stage of their review of Governor John Baldacci's $95 million dollar supplemental budget.
- Elderly to take $70 million in cuts on chinVillage Soup, 1/30/08. The reality of what it will mean to cut $70 million in health and human services in order to balance the state budget, including reductions in homemaking services for the elderly that could push some into nursing homes, is raising concerns among both Democratic and Republican legislators charged with either approving the cuts or suggesting alternatives.
- Small businesses need one big thingRuth Summers, Portland Press Herald, 1/30/08. Health plans targeted to this group, where most jobs are located, could do wonders for their success.
- Researcher nominated for insurance postBangor Daily News, 1/26/08. Gov. John Baldacci on Friday announced his nomination of Mila Kofman, a researcher and associate professor of health policy at Georgetown University, to become Maine’s next insurance superintendent.
- Universal health care study urgedMaineToday.com, 1/24/08. AUGUSTA — The Maine People’s Alliance and labor leaders gathered in the Statehouse today to push for passage of a bill to study the feasibility of establishing a universal single-payer healthcare system.
- Mazurek's colon cancer screening bill moves forwardVillage Soup, 1/23/08. AUGUSTA (Jan 23): State Rep. Ed Mazurek, D-Rockland, presented a bill Tuesday during a public hearing before the Legislature’s Insurance and Financial Services Committee that would require insurance companies to offer benefit coverage for colorectal cancer screenings.
- N.H.: Insurers must pay for home birthsSun Journal, 1/17/08. CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - The House voted Wednesday to require insurance companies to pay for children delivered at home by midwives in New Hampshire if the mother's plan would have paid for the birth in a hospital.
- Cost of state benefitsEditorial Staff, Bangor Daily News, 1/8/08. As state government wrestles over the next 18 months with a revenue shortfall projected at $95 million, it’s time to consider the cost of state employee benefits
- High-risk pools lower policy premiumsRep. Michael Vaughan, Portland Press Herald, 12/28/07. The high-premium health-care insurance market we now have is directly the fault of the Legislature.
- Program expands small business insurance optionsBangor Daily News, 11/28/07. When Roger Adams of Hermon quit his job in 2001 to concentrate full-time on his taxidermy business, health insurance was not his primary concern.
- Anthem rate case argument winds upBangor Daily News, 10/29/07
- Rules make health insurance in Maine costlyPortland Press Herald, 10/28/07
- Insurer cuts request for rate increaseSun Journal, 10/19/07
- Anthem rate-hike request piles burdens on vulnerable MainersPortland Press Herald, 9/23/07
- Maine’s Per Person Healthcare Costs Among the Nation’s HighestMaine Public Broadcasting Network, 9/19/07
- Anthem appeals to clients on ratesTimes Record, 9/13/07
- Health care for children is shamefully poorErik Steele, DO, Bangor Daily News, 9/11/07
- Anthem Asks State For 18 Percent Rate HikeMaine Public Broadcasting Network, 8/31/07
- Anthem seeks jump in health plan ratesPortland Press Herald, 8/30/07
- Anthem asks for 18.6 percent rate hikeVillage Soup, 8/28/07
- Rep. Walker introduces bill to cure ’collapsed health insurance market’Village Soup, 5/9/07
- Republicans eye cutting insurance for state workersVillage Soup, 5/9/07
- Insurer charts role as medical adviserPortland Press Herald, 5/8/07
- WASHINGTON: Snowe proposes doubling funds to insure childrenPortland Press Herald, 4/27/07
- One insurance horror story among manyJohn Buell, Bangor Daily News, 4/17/07
- Health insurers are the underlying illSteve Dunn, Bangor Daily News, 4/16/07
- Getting beyond Altman’s lawEditorial Staff, Kennebec Journal, 4/10/07
- Mainers strain under heavy health care costsJohn Brautigam, State Representative, Portland Press Herald, 4/10/07
- Baldacci proposes health insurance mandatesBangor Daily News, 4/5/07
- Billing crisis continuesKennebec Journal, 4/5/07
- Changes to Dirigo proposedPortland Press Herald, 4/5/07
- Editorial: Maine’s play or payBangor Daily News, 4/5/07
- Health care skirmish heating upKennebec Journal, 4/4/07
- Parties View Differing Approaches to Healthcare CostsSara Nics, Maine Public Broadcasting Network, 4/4/07
- Proposals to lower health care costs unveiledMaineToday.com, 4/3/07
- Chamber insurance offers alternativeMorning Sentinel, 3/25/07
- Anthem pushes genericsSunJournal, 3/21/07
- Calling all moms for kids without health insuranceEditorial Staff, Bangor Daily News, 3/13/07
- Disadvantaged children to receive health care aidMaineToday.com, 3/13/07
- Bob Walker: Health insurance reform is imperativeBangor Daily News, 3/10/07
- More Federal Funding Sought for Children’s HealthcareMaine Public Broadcasting Network, 3/1/07. (opens as Windows Media file)
- SCHIP’s Needless ShortfallBangor Daily News, 3/1/07
- Choosing insurance -- when there is no real choiceKennebec Journal, 2/27/07
- Federal funds for child health care run outSun Journal, 2/23/07
- Maine’s families deserve affordable health plansJill Conover, Bangor Daily News, 2/23/07
- Dozens protest cuts in human services budgetPortland Press Herald, 2/8/07. Speakers describe their experiences to illustrate how much they rely on the state help they get.
- Mainers push to fill child health-care gap seek child health-care fundsPortland Press Herald, 2/2/07
- Snack tax an option to cover insuranceBangor Daily News, 1/30/07
- UnumProvident’s new name has familiar ring to it: UnumPortland Press Herald, 1/17/07
- States explore health reformBangor Daily News, 12/26/06
- Health Insurance Options for Small BusinessesThe Ellsworth American, 12/14/06
- Health insurance market needs fixingPortland Press Herald, 12/4/06
- Anthem Health Insurance Hike Okayed by Maine Insurance BureauMaine Public Broadcasting Network, 12/1/06
- Anthem to raise some of its ratesPortland Press Herald, 12/1/06
- HMOs should not cost Medicare system morePortland Press Herald, 12/1/06
- Insurance czar to step down in JanuarySun Journal, 11/30/06
- Insuring children must be national priorityEditorial Staff, Kennebec Journal, 11/28/06
- Research Finds High Insurance Rates in Rural AreasMaine Public Broadcasting Network, 11/28/06
- Let the health care revolution beginPortland Press Herald, 11/27/06
- Following Maine’s leadBangor Daily News, 11/16/06
- Some good news on health plansKennebec Journal, 10/31/06
- Maine’s health insurance landscape needs a good fightSun Journal, 10/30/06
- Anthem, chamber offer new optionsPortland Press Herald, 10/27/06
- Maine Rises as Others FallBangor Daily News, 10/26/06
- Anthem’s bid to raise rates stirs users’ ireBangor Daily News, 10/25/06
- Anthem’s rate request attackedSunJournal, 10/25/06
- An Answer to Maine’s Health Care WoesEllsworth American, 10/19/06
- Insurance costs rise, still outpace inflationSun Journal, 9/27/06
- LaMarche unveils health care planSun Journal, 9/22/06
- Maine bars health insurance optionsRep. Jonathan McKane, Portland Press Herald, 9/22/06
- LaMarche calls for improved health insurancePortland Press Herald, 9/13/06
- Beware quick fixes for health-care woesPortland Press Herald, 9/10/06
- Insurance by PoliticsBangor Daily News, 9/9/06
- Coaxing Contractors on Health InsuranceThe Ellsworth American, 9/7/06
- Anthem rate hike request criticizedKennebec Jounral, 9/6/06
- Anthem seeks to raise individual ratesPortland Press Herald, 9/6/06
- Business climate, health care brokenState Senator, Chander Woodcock, Portland Press Herald, 9/6/06
- More lack insurance in MaineSunJournal, 8/30/06
- Anthem seeks rate hikeMaineToday.com, 8/29/06
- Single-payer health system for MaineBangor Daily News, 8/25/06
- Single-payer health care not best plan for MaineBangor Daily News, 8/12/06
- Number of uninsured kids in Maine declines by 50%Sun Journal, 8/9/06
- Penobscot County to begin offering free discount Rx card for uninsuredBangor Daily News, 7/25/06
- Judge overturns Maryland law on Wal-Mart health care plansSun Journal, 7/20/06
- Insurance a luxury mom can’t affordBill Nemitz, Portland Press Herald, 5/24/06
- Hospital CEOs feel ambushedEllsworth American, 5/18/06
- Need for single-payer health care growingRichard Dillihunt, M.D., Portland Press Herald, 5/17/06
- State compiles list of ’preferred’ hospitalskeepMEcurrent.com, 5/17/06
- Senate abandons health insurance billPortland Press Herald, 5/12/06
- Insurance bill is good for growing businessesSunJournal, 5/10/06
- Small Business Health Plans harmfulBangor Daily News, 5/10/06
- Now, a prescription for the health insurance messCharles Lawton, Portland Press Herald, 5/7/06
- Address ’care gap’ nowEditorial Staff, The Times Record, 5/5/06
- Emergency roomsEditorial Staff, The Times Record, 5/5/06
- Hope for health coverageEditorial Staff, The Times Record, 5/5/06
- Allen criticizes health coverage plan for small employersPortland Press Herald, 4/22/06
- Massachusetts leads ... huh! What?Village Soup, 4/21/06
- Bolder could make health care reform betterPortland Press Herald, 4/15/06
- States are health care pioneersKennebec Journal, 4/14/06
- Insurers accused of not reporting lobbyingPortland Press Herald, 4/4/06
- Getting serious about health care reformMichael Kelly, Portland Press Herald, 3/29/06
- An open letter to Governor BaldacciEllsworth American, 3/23/06
- ’Wal-Mart’ bill tamedVillage Soup, 3/23/06
- Recognize reality of health care crisisBangor Daily News, 3/20/06
- Immigrants’ insurance bill advancesSun Journal, 3/17/06
- AFL-CIO urges states to require expanded health coveragePortland Press Herald, 3/15/06
- Higher costs, better care?Portland Press Herald, 3/5/06
- Health coverage debate heats upSun Journal, 3/2/06
- Figuring out health care a job for WashingtonPortland Press Herald, 2/23/06
- Smokers ought to pay more to get their health insuredPortland Press Herald, 2/20/06
- Plan would triple health charges for military retirees, familiesSun Journal, 2/18/06
- Easier access to health insurance a good policy goal for MainePortland Press Herald, 2/6/06
- Solving America’s health care crisisBangor Daily News, 2/4/06
- Health insurers should keep their promise to reimburse people of MaineAnna Marie Klein, Portland Press Herald, 1/30/06
- Health Care, Aisle 3Bangor Daily News, 1/23/06
- Dirigo tax shows up in insurance lettersLincoln County News, 1/5/06
- Exercise power to control health care costsAshok Nalamalapu, Portland Press Herald, 12/28/05
- Chronic illnesses have huge costPortland Press Herald, 12/18/05
- A healthy reportBangor Daily News, 12/17/05
- Health care woes citedCourier-Gazette, 12/15/05
- Woman’s fight with system will save othersKennebec Journal, 12/15/05
- Higher comp costs on wayPortland Press Herald, 12/14/05
- New law would target employers with poor health insurance recordLincoln County News, 11/28/05
- Wonder why health-care costs are so high?Times Record, 11/25/05
- ’Fair share’ bill seen as way to provide insurance coverageTimes Record, 11/22/05
- Breaking down on health careEditorial Staff, SunJournal Blog, 11/15/05
- Working, on welfareEditorial Staff, SunJournal, 11/14/05
- Congress stalls on spending, tax cutsPortland Press Herald, 11/11/05
- Anthem finds resistance to rate increasePortland Press Herald, 11/10/05
- Anthem parent reports surge in profitsPortland Press Herald, 10/27/05
- Urgency builds for health care reformPortland Press Herald, 10/27/05
- Factors driving health care cost increases airedBangor Daily News, 10/26/05
- Money shift hurts coverageEditorial Staff, Sun Journal, 10/24/05
- Soaring premiums squeeze employersPortland Press Herald, 10/23/05
- Workers worry along with bossesPortland Press Herald, 10/23/05
- GOP slams MSHA bid rulesKennebec Journal, 10/9/05
- Ideology clouds health care debateEditorial Staff, Portland Press Herald, 10/9/05
- Check behind headlines on health care qualityWendy J. Wolf, Portland Press Herald, 8/30/05
- It's time to get real about health care costsErik Steele, DO, Bangor Daily News. The problem for every canine that ever chased a car was what to do when he caught it.
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