President Obama to Speak to Maine People about Federal Health Care Reform

Press Release

Governor John E. Baldacci will join thousands of Mainers at the Portland Expo today to hear President Barack Obama talk about the most sweeping federal health care reform law since Medicare was created more than 40 years ago. The Governor applauded President Obama's leadership and the support of Congresswoman Chellie Pingree and Congressman Mike Michaud to make health care reform a reality.

"In Maine, we have taken aggressive steps to improve the access to quality, affordable health care and now we have important federal support," said Governor Baldacci. "In fact, many aspects of the new federal health care reform mirror what we have done in Maine. We are in a strong position to implement many of the reforms enacted in Washington, D.C., because we have taken such steps. We look forward to working with all of Maine's Congressional delegation and all the people of Maine to assure a thoughtful, bipartisan implementation of this new law."

While Maine has enacted many of the provisions that are part of the Federal reform, some will need to be adjusted to reflect the new Federal law.

* Maine has insurance regulations and transparency much like that envisioned in the national law.

* MaineCare has already expanded coverage to most low-income people to 133 percent of poverty.

* Maine also has in place the Dirigo Health Agency that conducts many of the activities envisioned as an exchange, such as contracting with insurance companies, negotiating rates, determining eligibility and administering subsidies.

* Maine has restructured and consolidated its public health services to create a public health infrastructure that can implement the prevention and public health goals of national reform.

The bill signed into law by President Obama last week will significantly improve the ability for small businesses to offer coverage to employees. Under the new law, subsidies are available to about 37,000 small businesses in Maine. In addition, the federal health care reform outlaws waiting periods for children to age 19 who have pre-existing conditions and ensures parents can keep their children on their health plan until age 26.

The Governor has charged his Office of Health Policy and Finance with working with other State agencies and the Legislature to develop options for meeting requirements under the law. In addition, the Advisory Council on Health Systems Development, a stakeholder group representing businesses, consumers, providers, insurers and legislators, will formulate a plan of transition under the State Health Plan.

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