Maine companies that sell home medical equipment say health insurance changes may force them out of business and could affect the seniors who use their products.

In January, the federal government will begin cutting Medicare reimbursements to so-called durable medical equipment providers, those who sell and service home-use oxygen tanks, wheelchairs and walkers. Although the cuts won’t initially affect Maine, the changes may eventually lead to reduced reimbursements in the state, according to people familiar with the industry.

Thanksgiving is still more than a week away, but Christmas is in the air at the Maine Mall.

Santa Claus arrived Saturday, setting up shop in front of the Gap and marking the start of a holiday season in which shoppers say they will spend cautiously because of economic uncertainty.

On Monday, wide-eyed kids — and a few giggling adults — took turns meeting with Santa, who was plopped in an easy chair in front of a snowy miniature village.