With the prospect of a federal public health insurance option, Maine’s Dirigo Choice should be at the center of the debate.

Problems with Dirigo Choice should be a warning to those pushing for a federal version. A public option is not socialism as critics claim, nor would it necessarily restrict freedom through expansion of government. However, as evidenced in Maine, it will not decrease the numbers of uninsured.

Dirigo Choice was established in 2005 to compete with private companies and offer lower premiums according to members’ income. It was supposed to save money for all Mainers.

According to online sources, in August there were 9,000 enrolled members. As of 2009 it has cost Mainers more than $140 million from the general fund to cover a total of 30,000 members since 2005. The intent was to cover all of Maine’s 126,000 uninsured by 2009. There are now 125,000. The meager reductions is due to only a small segment of Dirigo Choice members being previously uninsured for a 12-month period.

The state paid more than $140 million to decrease the number of uninsured by 1,000 while failing to come close to their goal. Maine has wasted millions on a failed public option. The nation may soon waste billions.

Sen. Olympia Snowe might back a public option, despite the experiences of her own state. It is time for Mainers to remind her that the nation deserves better than the useless reform that Maine got with Dirigo Health.

Brendan O’Brien, Lewiston