AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Activists are gathering at the Maine State House to protest proposed budget reductions that would eliminate health insurance coverage for 28,000 Mainers that are being reviewed by a legislative committee.
Protesters crowd into the State House to show their lack of support in proposed budget cuts, in Augusta, Maine, on Wednesday, May 11, 2011. (AP Photo/Pat Wellenbach)
The AARP, organized labor and health care groups gathered in the State House on Wednesday to speak out against the cuts that result from a revenue shortfall.
Gov. Paul LePage's budget calls for elimination of Medicaid coverage for childless adults and parents whose income exceeds 133 percent of the federal poverty level. That amounts to $24,645 a year for a family of three. Low-income advocates say those cuts would jeopardize Maine's economic recovery.
AARP's Dick Farnsworth said other proposed cuts would result in a loss of access to Medicare Parts B and D for up to 48,000 Mainers.
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cuts too deep
someone making $24,600 a year brings home about $330 a week after taxes. thats about $1,328 a month and you expect them to pay $700 a month in health insurance? so they are going to pay rent, utilities, and food on $628 a month? no they wont. what will happen is more people will use the emergeny room then never pay the bill.
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