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 […]
health care
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. […]
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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 […]
Posted inLocal & State, sj-web
New Maine health insurance figures due Tuesday
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — New U.S. Census will provide updates on the number of people lacking health insurance nationally and in Maine. The U.S. Census Bureau is to release its new figures, based on the 2010 census, on Tuesday. Current national figures show the number of people without health insurance coverage rose from 46.3 million […]
Posted inLocal & State
State of Maine ranks 11th on child well-being
AUGUSTA — Maine is doing relatively well on several measures of child well-being, ranking 11th overall among the 50 states, according to data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation in its 2011 national Kids Count Data Book. However, the state’s rate of infant deaths and low birthweight babies has risen, and the percent of children […]
Posted inLocal & State, sj-web
Maine’s health insurance panel composed almost entirely of industry members
AUGUSTA, Maine — With one notable exception, a new nine-member committee charged with developing Maine’s federally mandated health insurance exchange is made up almost entirely of health care and insurance insiders. The stand-out appointee is Jamie Bissonnette Lewey of Pembroke, chairwoman of the Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission. Lewey is a longtime advocate for criminal justice […]
Posted inLocal & State, New England, sj-web
Maine’s social services praised as far better than New Hampshire’s
DOVER, N.H. — Bree Messier has found everything she needs for her children through Maine’s health care program. The Berwick, Maine, resident moved from Somersworth in 2006 and says she remains in Maine for the health care coverage, with all three of her children currently on MaineCare. Messier has a 13-year-old son, Brandyn, a 10-year-old […]
Posted inConnections
Symposium to focus on managing major changes in health care
STANDISH — Saint Joseph’s College will offer its fourth annual health care symposium, called “Health Care in the 21st Century: New Challenges, New Opportunities” on July 25-29 at its Sebago Lake campus. Health care experts from across the country will discuss timely issues facing health care professionals at all levels, including administrators, managers and clinicians. […]