The 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…

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Open 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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