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Maine health insurance reform deemed failure by report

September 24, 2012 S.Vagus

Report highlights problems created by health insurance reform Consumers for Affordable Health Care, a non-profit advocacy organization based in Maine, has released a new report concerning the health insurance overhaul that was passed in the state last year. The law brought significant health insurance reforms to the state that were well received by residents. The report suggests, however, that the health insurance overhaul is not accomplishing its goals and may be doing more harm than good. The report is based on information from the Main Bureau of Insurance. Law aims…

Maine health insurance premiums continue to climb

September 6, 2012September 5, 2012 S.Vagus

Main health insurance premiums grow despite more accommodating laws Several states in the U.S. are preparing to adopt and comply with more stringent insurance regulations due to the Affordable Care Act. Maine, however, is breaking this trend by loosening its insurance rules. These rules are often cited for making Maine one of the states with the highest insurance premiums in the country. State officials hope that by being more lenient on insurance companies they will be able to encourage a reduction in premiums and make insurance coverage more affordable for…

Maine to welcome its first health insurance co-op

August 18, 2012August 17, 2012 Marc

State receives federal grant to aid in the establishment of new insurance system Maine Community Health Options has received a federal grant that will help it establish the state’s first health insurance co-op system. The organization has been a strong advocate for national consumer operated and oriented plans (co-ops), which are believed to make health insurance both more affordable and comprehensive. The grant provided by the government will assist in the development and introduction of a health insurance co-op in Maine. This new system may serve as an example for…

States opt to put hold on health insurance exchanges pending ruling from Supreme Court

June 13, 2012June 13, 2012 Marc

States back away from health insurance exchanges as uncertainty concerning Affordable Care Act grows As health care continues to grab headlines in the world of insurance news, the uncertain future of the Affordable Care Act could have serious, yet often overlooking, implications for the Maine health insurance industry. The health care law has been the target of criticism due to a provision that requires all Americans to purchase and maintain some form of health insurance coverage. One of the most ambitious provisions of the law has been relatively well-received. That…

Report makes recommendation for healthcare exchange regulations in Maine

September 29, 2011May 8, 2013

A report laying out the major element of the Maine health insurance reform – its healthcare exchange – has been presented to the state legislative committee and is being received with dissatisfaction from Democrats. Senator Joseph Brannigan (D-Portland) said that upon receipt of the report, he and the other Insurance and Financial Services Committee members are disappointed. He explained that “It just doesn’t seem friendly and inviting as a marketplace for businesses and people shopping for insurance.” The Affordable Care Act, which is the heart of the overhaul of the…