Gov. Paul LePage used his weekly radio appearance on WVOM on Tuesday to discuss health care in Maine and how we could all have access to it — with massive reforms to the system from the ground up. “I think everybody should, can and will have it,” said LePage. “The problem is, we say that we’re a […]
health care
Posted inBusiness, sj-web
Aetna to offer health plan on Maine health exchange
PORTLAND — At a time when some insurers are threatening to abandon Affordable Care Act exchanges, Aetna plans to offer individual plans on the health care marketplace for the first time in portions of Maine, giving consumers more choices. Aetna intends to join Community Health Options, Harvard Pilgrim and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in offering […]
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ACA health exchange insurers propose rate increases
PORTLAND — Insurers are seeking double-digit premium increases in the coming year for tens of thousands of Mainers who receive insurance through President Barack Obama’s health care law. Proposals filed with the Maine Bureau of Insurance would raise individual plan premiums between 14 percent and 23 percent under the health care law’s marketplace. All told, more […]
Posted inOp-Eds
Public health iniatives helped increase access to health care
The amount of money a person makes might determine how long that person will live, according to new research published recently in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The study, which analyzed demographic information from the tax records of all Americans between 2001 and 2014, found that the rich in America are living significantly […]
Posted inBusiness, sj-web
MHPC report shows wide medical procedure cost disparities
YARMOUTH — A study released by a conservative advocacy group has shown wide disparities in what Maine providers charge for the same medical procedures. The Maine Heritage Policy Center’s study found significant differences in charges for common procedures. A blood test for electrolytes ranged from $33 to $111. A knee replacement ranged from around $27,000 […]
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Almost 80,000 Mainers use HealthCare.gov to get coverage
PORTLAND — Nearly 80,000 Maine residents have signed up for health care coverage through the HealthCare.gov platform since open enrollment began in November. Officials with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services say 78,891 people from Maine have either signed up or had their coverage automatically renewed as of Jan. 9. The deadline to […]
Posted inFranklin, Livermore Falls Advertiser
Livermore Falls selectmen accept fire chief’s resignation
LIVERMORE FALLS — Selectmen on Tuesday voted 4-0 to accept Fire Chief Tim “TD” Hardy’s resignation, which is effective Jan. 15. In his letter submitted Dec. 18, 2015, Hardy said, “Thank you for the opportunity to work with the Fire Department and town during the last few years. I gained valuable experience and worked with some […]
Posted inLocal & State, sj-web
Health care advocates sue DHHS over plans to nix ombudsman
AUGUSTA — The Maine Department of Health and Human Services is being sued over a decision to end ombudsman services through the state Medicaid program. Consumers for Affordable Health Care filed the lawsuit last week. Executive Director Emily Brostek says Mainers need the ombudsman program to help them navigate the health care system to ensure […]
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Closer scrutiny prescribed for specialty medications
Twenty years ago, one of the more effective treatments for rheumatoid arthritis involved gold compounds, which were partially effective in treating the pain and inflammation caused by that illness. Adjusted for inflation, the yearly cost of the gold treatment would be approximately $2,500 in today’s dollars. In recent times there have been a number of […]
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Marcus Welby has left the building
Today’s health care has one constant — change. Everywhere we look, the health care industry is changing. In many cases, the changes happening are long overdue, but not all change is necessarily beneficial. As an administrator of a medical practice, one of my job responsibilities is to recruit physicians to our practice. As I talk […]