Committee on Health and Human Services
Public Hearing May 10 at 10:00 amLD 1608 An Act To Expand The MaineCare Program To Cover All Citizens Of The StateAGAINSTSummary:This bill establishes a single-payer health care program in the State that provides health 6 care services for Maine residents. The bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to consult with the Department of Labor and the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, Bureau of Insurance to develop the program. The bill requires the State to implement the program in 4 phases, based on income, beginning in 2023 for those residents not already eligible for the MaineCare program. The bill also creates the MaineCare for All Implementation Task Force to advise the departments and make recommendations to fully implement the single-payer health care program. The program may not be implemented in 2023 without prior legislative approval.
Suggested Testimony:Members of the Health and Human Services Committee:
I write to oppose LD1608 which would force a single payer health care program on all residents of Maine. The administration and finance of all MaineCare ( Medicaid ), Medicare and Affordable Care Act (ACA) programs would be transferred to a single payer plan called MaineCare for All.
This bill proposes an astounding administrative and financial takeover of medical plans in Maine to be completed in four phases “no later than January 31, 2025.”
My concerns include the following:
I am a Medicare recipient who paid into the system for years and I also purchase a commercial Medicare supplement. I am absolutely against any attempt to capture my federal Medicare funds or to raise my taxes in order to help create and impose a single payer plan in Maine.
Please vote LD 1608 “ought not to pass”.
Thank you, *Kaitlin Hunter and David Kendall, “Single-Payer Health Care: A Tale of 3 States”, Third Way, July 17, 2019. Public Hearing May 11 at 2 pmLD 1548 AN ACT TO ALLEVIATE THE DISPROPORTIONATE IMPACT OF COVID-19 AND PUBLIC HEALTH OUTCOMESAGAINST
SUGGESTED TESTIMONY:
Members of the Health and Human Services Committee:
My name is Jessica Sullivan, I am a health professional writing in opposition to LD 1548 which may disproportionately distribute federal Covid-19 funds in Maine and which appears to create a serious conflict of interest with the Chair of the recently formed and independent Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous and Maine Tribal Populations.
LD 1548 is sponsored by Representative Talbot Ross of Portland and Representative Craven of Lewiston. Among problematic statements in LD 1548 are: “… at least 10% of discretionary funds not otherwise earmarked …that are received by the State from the Federal Government due to the pandemic … must be used by the department to address the needs of historically marginalized racial communities in the state.” “Prior to using or obligating the funds the department shall consult with and accept recommendations from the Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous and Maine Tribal Populations.”
My concerns are:
Total Population 1,344,212 White 94.0% at 1,263,287 Black 1.6% at 21,983 American Indian/Native Alaskan 0.7% at 9,419 Asian 1.1% at 15,323
Please vote “ought not to pass” on LD 1548. Thank you.
Jessica Sullivan, BS, MPH Cape Elizabeth *2019: ACS 1 Year Estimates Data Profiles. Table # DP05.data.census.gov
SPONSORS:Representative Talbot Ross of Portland Rachel.TalbotRoss@legislature.maine.gov 653-3953 Representative Craven of Lewiston Margaret.Craven@legislature.maine.gov 783-1897 SUMMARY:This bill requires that at least 10% of discretionary funds that are received directly by the State from the Federal Government due to the pandemic related to COVID-19 and that are appropriated or otherwise directed to the Department of Health and Human Services be used by the department to address the needs of historically marginalized racial communities in the State. The bill requires the department to consult with and accept recommendations from the Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous and Maine Tribal Populations to ensure the funds are used to address the needs of historically marginalized racial communities in the State. It also requires the department to submit a report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over health and human services matters on the use of the funds by December 15, 2021 and every 6 months thereafter. Click HERE to TestifyInstructions: INCLUDE PERSONAL SHORT STORIES Next CCRC General MeetingCCRC January General Meeting: Next Tuesday, Jan 17th, 5:45 p.m. Social / 6:30 p.m. Meeting. 2nd Floor: Moody's Collision Center, 200 Narragansett St., Gorham. Doors will be open and food available beginning at 5:45 pm. Details regarding food: EventsLincoln Club Dinner - February 11, 2023Lincoln Club Dinner Announces Phil Harriman as its featured speaker on Saturday, February 11, 2023, as we honor President Lincoln. |