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Trump signs executive order banning transgender athletes from women's sports, directing DOJ to enforce; Educators voice concern for PA immigrant student protections; WA rent stabilization bills have huge public support; ME benefits from $2.2 billion in federal clean energy investments.

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Nationwide protests erupt against federal policies, Indiana's EV infrastructure expansion stalls due to a funding freeze, and Washington state pushes for rent stabilization to combat rising housing costs.

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During Black History Month, a new book shares how a unique partnership built 5,000 schools for Black students, anti-hunger advocates say ag communities would benefit from an expanded SNAP program, and Americans have $90 billion in unpaid medical bills.

Mainers offer insight into barriers to affordable health care

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Wednesday, September 25, 2024   

Mainers will get a chance to weigh in on health care costs today at the state's annual public hearing on health care affordability. Legislation sponsored by Senate President Troy Jackson created an independent agency to make recommendations to state lawmakers to reduce health care costs and improve the overall quality of care in Maine.

Ann Woloson, executive director of the nonprofit Consumers for Affordable Health Care, said it is important state officials hear from those most affected by their policies.

"It's a good opportunity to alert policymakers about the difficulty some Mainers face in accessing the affordable healthcare that they need," she said.

Woloson added the public can offer testimony in-person or online. The hearing takes place today at 1 p.m. at the state Department of Health and Human Services in Augusta.

Health care remains one of the state's most pressing public policy issues. Woloson said her office receives thousands of phone calls each year from Mainers relaying concerns about out-of-pocket costs, hospital fees or complicated coverage plans with tiered provider networks. Public input has already led to some successful reforms in the state, she said.

"Medicaid expansion for example," she explained. "Providing small businesses with subsidies to help pay for monthly premiums."

A Consumers for Affordable Health Care survey finds most Mainers believe they are one medical emergency or illness away from financial disaster. Rising costs, including those for prescription drugs, cause more than one in three residents to skip or delay going to the doctor when sick. Woloson said the majority of Mainers with commercial insurance are also concerned they'll experience a gap in their coverage.

Disclosure: Consumers for Affordable Healthcare contributes to our fund for reporting on Budget Policy & Priorities, Health Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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