Republican legislators in Maine have proposed a new bill that would levy a $4 monthly health insurance tax throughout the state. The bill notably exempts federal and state employees from the tax, drawing harsh criticism from both Democrats and citizens. Democrats had submitted amendments to the bill late last week that would remove the exemption for lawmakers, but the notion was dismissed by Republicans. However, Senator Richard Whittemore, R-Skowhegan, issued an emergency legislation that would require state legislators to be included in the tax. The reasoning behind the proposed tax…
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Many concerned over Maine’s new health insurance law
Lawmakers in Maine have been working toward new health care laws in an effort to improve the state’s insurance market. Yesterday, Governor Paul LePage signed a new law that may clash with federal regulations that will come into effect the being of 2014. The new law will allow insurers to raise rates for older policyholders which, in some cases, can end up being five times higher compared to policies held by younger people. This comes into direct conflict with the provisions of the Affordable Care Act, as do a number of…
Read MoreMaine health insurance debate: Allow residents to purchase insurance out of state or not
Legislators in Maine continue to feud over the state’s proposed health insurance reform. Adding further stress to the issue is the fact that the state’s $6.1 billion budget has yet to be determined. There is little more than a month for legislators to make definitive decisions regarding these two issues. Though the deadline is rapidly approaching, lawmakers are not concerned that a reasonable outcome will be met. Today, the Senate will assemble to rule on a much contested health insurance bill. The bill will allow residents on Maine to purchase…
Read MoreThe latest battle over Maine health insurance bill
As health care reform continues to be a hotly contested issue throughout the nation, Maine is embroiled in its own battle regarding the state’s health insurance regulations. Earlier this week, a bill was introduced that would seek to overhaul the current regulatory standard in the hopes of increasing competition in the state’s health insurance market, thereby driving down insurance rates. Introduced by Representative Jonathan McKane (R), the bill has received rigid opposition from Democrats who say that consumer protections are being put at risk. The promise that the bill will…
Read MoreOpen forum for small group health reveals public opinion
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Maine hosted a public comment forum Monday to discuss their impending rate hikes. A small group assembled in opposition of the proposed premium increases, most of whom were vocal with their disdain. The insurer is seeking to raise its rates as a result of rising medical costs and insists that the new rates will help ensure the quality of health care remains high. Many policyholders aren’t buying it. “We all know this is not about delivering quality care,” argues one angry Mapleton resident,…
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