In addition, 4 Maine hospitals were penalized by the federal agency for having too many readmissions.
Joe Lawlor
Staff Writer
Joe Lawlor writes about health and human services for the Press Herald. A 24-year newspaper veteran, Lawlor has worked in Ohio, Michigan and Virginia before relocating to Maine in 2013 to join the Press Herald. He is still considered “from away” but since then, he has learned what a “dooryard” is, eaten “whoopie pies” drank Moxie and boiled some “lobstahs.” The stories he enjoys most are when he learns something and meeting inspiring people.
He lives in South Portland - aka “SoPo” - with his wife, Melanie, and two school-age children.
Posted inLocal & State, News
‘The Soupman’ comes to Maine to help the homeless and fight the opioid crisis
Peter Kelleher lost his son to an overdose in Bangor in 2016 and now dedicates his life to providing critical supplies to homeless people.
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Posted inHealth, Local & State, News
Republican lawmaker’s bill calls for Medicaid money for spouses giving in-home care
Rep. Patrick Corey’s bill would make Maine the 13th state to allow spouses who care for their disabled partners to qualify for Medicaid reimbursement, at an estimated cost to the state of $2 million a year.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, Politics
Bill calls for 4 mental health centers to be alternative to emergency rooms
The National Alliance on Mental Illness backs the measure calling for four ‘assessment centers’ for stays as long as three days.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Sen. Collins took in personal best $1.8 million in campaign funds in 4th quarter
Her campaign committee says it made a push for donations in late 2018, after Collins’ vote in support of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, to send a message that she would be a strong candidate in 2020.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, News, Politics
Panel unanimously backs Jeanne Lambrew’s nomination to lead DHHS
The Cape Elizabeth native says she is focused on rebuilding weakened programs in areas such as child protection, public health and rural mental health.
Posted inHealth, Local & State
Advocates urge decriminalization, safe injection sites in opioids crisis report
The Maine Coalition for Sensible Drug Policy calls for efforts to end the stigma attached to substance use disorder and invest in harm-reduction strategies.
Posted inBusiness, Health, Local & State, Politics
Health groups take aim at insurance companies’ medication policies
A pending bill would give doctors and patients more say when insurance companies balk at reimbursement and require them to try less expensive alternatives to prescribed medication or treatment.
Posted inBusiness, Health, Local & State, News, Politics
Maine bill would preserve key benefits of ACA in event of repeal
Legislation supported by top Democrats would prohibit insurance companies from refusing coverage for pre-existing conditions and set other standards to help consumers.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Mills administration names new director of MaineCare services
Michelle Probert, who oversees health and wellness programs at Bath Iron Works, was a manager in the MaineCare program during the first term of former Gov. Paul Lepage.