Maine: Health Insurance Changes

Maine Governor John Baldacci is determined to improve the health care and insurance situation in the state. With the help of a health care team, he recently unveiled plans to improve the overall state of these areas.

Generally speaking, his proposal will require that all Maine residents have health insurance and that all businesses make it available to employees in one, way, shape, or form. Additionally, he has plans for overhauling the state’s Medicaid program.

The governor has had success in this arena in the past with his Dirigo Health reforms. But with that being said, there are many critics who feel that a move to a universal health insurance system is not the right way to go.

The proposal states that all residents who earn approximately $39,000, or 400 percent of the poverty level, will be required to carry health insurance.

On the other side of things, he wants employers to get involved as well. He feels that every business should either offer health insurance to their employees or pay into a fund set up by the state to subsidize costs.

At this time, tentative dates for the plan to take effect are July 2008 for employers and January 2009 for individuals. But of course, this plan would need to be passed first.

Over the next few weeks, the governor’s plan will be presented to lawmakers and the debate will begin.