AUGUSTA (AP) — Maine lawmakers are beginning to consider measures to overhaul the state’s MaineCare transportation rides system.

The Department of Health and Human Services is taking public testimony on two measures Thursday introduced in light of problems in the current program that provides rides to appointments for MaineCare patients.

Maine’s Office of MaineCare Services announced Thursday that it plans to sever ties with Connecticut-based Coordinated Transportation Solutions when its $28.3 million contract ends June 30.

Democratic Sen. Colleen Lachowicz of Waterville is backing a bill that would replace the current transportation system with another system based on the one Vermont uses.

Senate Democratic Leader Troy Jackson of Allagash has introduced a measure that would cancel the state’s contracts with transportation brokers.

Since the state switched to a new rides system in August, it has been heavily criticized as thousands of MaineCare patients have complained of missed or delayed rides.


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