State Offers Web-Based Tool for Accessing Federal Health Care Reform Information

Press Release

The Governor's Office of Health Policy and Finance announced today a new tool for Maine people to learn more about the federal health care reform law passed earlier this year. The Web site, www.maine.gov/healthreform, provides a central place for Mainers to review up-to-date information about the federal health reform law, The Affordable Care Act, and how it impacts Maine. The site includes links to federal and State agencies, the Maine Legislature's Joint Select Committee on Health Reform and other information sources.

"The federal health care reform law provides new opportunities for Maine to cover more uninsured and address the cost and quality of health care," said Trish Riley, Director of the Governor's Office of Health Policy and Finance. "This Web site will help Mainers become familiar with these opportunities and see what actions the State is taking in response to the new law."

The new federal law includes significant new responsibilities for states. In April, Governor Baldacci issued an Executive Order creating a Steering Committee on Health Reform to begin examining the law. Comprised of key State officials, the Steering Committee meets publicly and using independent consultants conducts analysis of the new law and its implications for Maine.

Maine's 2010-2012 State Health Plan calls for the Steering Committee on Health Reform and the Advisory Council on Health Systems Development (a stakeholder group) to provide their analysis of options of the federal law and make recommendations to the in-coming Administration and the Joint Select Committee on Health Reform. Materials from these meetings are available on the Web site.

"The Affordable Care Act requires states to start planning now and provides numerous funding opportunities, now and in the future, many related to improving the efficiency of health care," said Riley. "Our goal is to engage the public and key stakeholders in examining the law and laying out options for in-coming policymakers. The new Web site, while a work in progress, is a step in that outreach."

For more information on Maine's work to advance the federal health care reform law, visit www.maine.gov/healthreform

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