In a news article Aug. 25, Peter Mills commented that it would be “horrible” for the state to pay the hospitals for services provided to MaineCare members in good faith for the past several years.

It’s time to stop focusing on the wages of hospital CEOs and address the problem.

The hospitals in this state have maxed their credit lines in order to pay their employees each week, yet the state has been able to benefit from this $460 million interest-free “loan.” How can hospitals change the way they manage patient care and costs when they don’t have the money to invest in the infrastructure needed, since all their assets are tied up in credit lines?

The economy has hit the hospitals especially hard because, unlike most businesses, they must continue to provide services, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. With so many people out of work or underemployed, the level of hospital bad debt and charity care are at the highest levels in years.

Maine increased its MaineCare enrollment years ago so patients could get health care. Unfortunately, the state didn’t increase its budget to pay for those members. Since the state runs on a cash basis, if it didn’t pay its bills, then, surprise, the budget remained balanced.

What a nice coup for those politicians who were able to perform such a miraculous deed.

I applaud Gov. Paul LePage for taking the state’s debt seriously and trying to find an ethical solution that benefits everyone.

Pamela Beaule, Lewiston