AUGUSTA — The state will soon get nearly $6 million in federal funding to set up the health insurance exchanges mandated by the Affordable Care Act of 2010. Maine this week became one of 13 states awarded grants by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Maine is also one of 26 states challenging […]
health care
Posted inOxford Hills, River Valley, sj-web
Doctors scarce in Oxford County
OXFORD — Hoping to find a doctor in Oxford County? Good luck. A recent report of county health rankings shows that Oxford County has just one primary care physician for every 1,490 residents, the worst ratio in the state. “Some places just don’t accept new patients because there’s nowhere to put them,” said Dr. William […]
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Posted inLocal & State, Nation / World, sj-web
States suing over health care law collect funding
WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal officials are awarding more money to help states carry out President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul. The surprise? The list includes seven states suing to overturn the landmark law. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced Tuesday that 13 states will split grants totaling nearly $220 million to set up […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
CMMC seeks to expand availability of experimental drugs to patients through clinical trials
LEWISTON — Central Maine HealthCare has joined an Auburn research company to offer more local people the chance to enroll in clinical trials, widely expanding the availability of experimental drugs for problems including diabetes, arthritis and heart disease. By next year, the number of Lewiston-Auburn-area people enrolled in trials could triple from 500 to 1,500, […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Journalist finds good news in U.S. health care system
LEWISTON — There’s good news buried in the U.S. health care system’s web of unfairness and inefficiency, argues best-selling health care writer T.R. Reid. Some medical communities are trying hard to cut the cost of health care. And it’s working, Reid told a Bates College audience Wednesday. “In many places in America, the doctors actively work […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
Appeals court upholds Obama health care law
WASHINGTON (AP) — A conservative-leaning appeals court panel on Tuesday upheld the constitutionality of President Barack Obama’s health care law, as the Supreme Court prepares to consider this week whether to resolve conflicting rulings over the law’s requirement that all Americans buy health care insurance. A panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the […]
Posted inOur View
Health care system sick and getting sicker
A New York Times reporter introduced us last week to Tammy Yancey, a $9.50-an-hour gas station attendant for Sam’s Club in Pinellas Park, Fla. Walmart, which also operates Sam’s Club, had just announced sweeping health insurance cuts and premium increases for its one million employees. Those increases included a steep penalty for employees who smoke. […]
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, sj-web
Educated workers needed for health care jobs, LePage says
As Maine’s economy continues to struggle, state leaders say the health care sector remains strong and is expected to grow. At a conference on Tuesday, officials said training a qualified work force is the key to both meeting the growing demand for health care services in Maine and taking advantage of the economic activity that […]
Posted inLocal & State, sj-web
Maine health care exchange rules recommended
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A report that outlines an important component of health insurance reform in Maine, a health care exchange where people can shop for policies, was met with expressions of frustration by Democrats as it was presented Monday to a legislative committee. “I’m disappointed,” Sen. Joseph Brannigan, D-Portland, said before he and other […]