Maine lawmakers agree on a way to fund Medicaid expansion
AUGUSTA – Both houses of the Maine Legislature have voted in favor of funding to extend Medicaid to an estimated 70,000 residents, potentially undercutting Gov. LePage’s argument against implementing the voter-approved expansion.
The Maine Senate and House agreed to a plan to pay for the state’s $60 million share of costs associated with the expansion of Medicaid in Maine, although more votes were needed before the bill gets sent to LePage’s desk.
Voters approved expanding the state’s Medicaid system in 2017 so those earning less than 138 percent of the federal poverty guideline would become eligible for state and federally funded health care coverage. The change would expand the system to an estimated 70,000 Mainers, although critics of the expansion say it could increase the state’s Medicaid roles by as much as 80,000.
LePage has repeatedly blocked Medicaid expansion in Maine and has refused to implement the voter-approved expansion, arguing that the Legislature must first allocate funding.
Read more: http://www.sunjournal.com/maine-lawmakers-agree-on-a-way-to-fund-medicaid-expansion/
