The bipartisan group of residents, lawmakers and representatives from hospitals, insurers and Maine businesses will seek ways to make health coverage more affordable, with a single-payer system a long shot among possible strategies.
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 inHealth, Local & State, News, Politics
Sign-ups for ACA insurance ‘robust’ in Maine as deadline for 2018 nears
More than 40,000 residents have applied – many buying basic plans with no premiums – even as tax reform in Congress threatens to disrupt the health care program.
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Posted inHealth, Local & State, News
Hepatitis cases mount in wake of opioid epidemic
Several types of the virus are being reported in increasing numbers, with the Maine CDC issuing a public notice Monday about a small but unusual spike in hepatitis A cases.
Posted inHealth, Local & State
New Maine lead standard fuels 10-fold jump in interventions after children test positive
Under the new law, thresholds for testing have been lowered to align with federal Centers for Disease Control recommendations.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Sen. Collins votes to approve Republican tax reform bill
One of four Republican senators who had held out against the proposal, Collins reached her decision after receiving support for several amendments she proposed to the bill.
Posted inNation & World, News, Politics
Sen. Collins, a key vote on Republican tax plan, pushes amendments to address ‘a lot of concerns’
Sen. King and others also submit changes, forcing a rewrite of the debt-raising bill and postponing a major vote until at least Friday.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Negotiations ease ‘a lot of’ Collins’ concerns about tax reform bill
The senator whose ‘yes’ vote would be crucial to passing the sweeping plan makes positive comments after talks with President Trump and others.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Maine unemployment claims system will be down for a week
The blackout period from Thursday through Dec. 6 will allow the state to implement a cloud-based system for filing claims that is the product of a collaboration with three other states to reduce administrative costs and fraud.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, News
Portland medical mission increases trips abroad
The fast-growing nonprofit Partners for World Health also is sending more supplies to Third World nations.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, News, Politics
Maine has nation’s highest rate of increased Affordable Care Act enrollment
The 72 percent jump over 2016 levels occurred despite efforts by the Trump administration to undermine the program and cut funding for outreach and advertising.