PORTLAND — Supporters of the Dirigo Health Agency held a news conference today as its future is debated in Augusta.

The state agency operates the DirigoChoice health insurance program and provides coverage to more than 580 Maine businesses and nearly 15,000 individuals, according to Consumers for Affordable Health Care.

Gov. Paul LePage promised to eliminate Dirigo during the campaign last year. The agency is paid for with fees charged to state insurance carriers. LePage’s proposed budget would gradually decrease the funding for Dirigo over the next several years, although Dirigo would continue to operate in the short term.

“Those who are currently enrolled, or who will be enrolled in the future, will continue to be offered coverage in the Dirigo programs. It’s not just going to be ‘shut down’ and disappear in a few months,” said Roberta Lane, a Health and Life Agent with O’Hearn Insurance Agency.

Consumers for Affordable Health Care said many businesses and individuals who rely on the program would otherwise not be able to afford insurance. It recently sent a list of enrolled businesses to lawmakers. (The list can be seen here)

Tedford Housing Executive Director Don Kniseley said his company is among the hundreds that rely on Dirigo.

“After facing a 32 percent increase with our previous insurer, the Dirigo Health Agency (DHA) offered a very competitive premium rate and benefits package,” said Kniseley.  “Some of our entry-level staff were also able to obtain more affordable rates through discounts offered with DirigoChoice.”