Despite thousands of complaints, a top official says it’s too early to cancel company contracts, and that MaineCare is pressing for fixes.
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 inNews
Legislators push for quick solution on rides for Maine’s poor
A lawmaker who has received some of the 2,000-plus complaint calls says they are ‘heartbreaking.’
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Posted inLocal & State, News
Expert: Mess with Maine Medicaid rides was avoidable
A Washington-based expert on Medicaid says that federal rules would not have forced the program overhaul that has kept some poor Mainers from getting rides to health care appointments.
Posted inNews
Fatal Windham fire deemed accidental
Parker Blanchard, 25, is declared dead in his third-floor apartment while other tenants escape.
Posted inNews
MaineCare contractors must follow strict rules
Those who provide rides have to track complaints and limit them to one percent of their clients or less.
Posted inNews
Amid troubles, some ask: Why revamp Maine ride system?
New federal rules and money were factors as officials, some skeptical, agreed to changes in the program for Maine’s poor.
Posted inBusiness, News, Politics
Sen. Collins: Bipartisan bills would help businesses
She touts proposed changes in the tax law that would make certain tax deductions permanent and double the maximum allowable deduction for start-up expenses.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Rides go wrong for Maine’s poor
Complaints about no-shows and confusion pour in from parents and patients after federal changes disrupt the MaineCare-funded transportation system.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Maine health plans comparison sketches out options, cost
Although there are only two providers, consumers will choose from a wide array of health care plans.
Posted inNews, Sports
Beach to Beacon: Elite women
Kenyan Joyce Chepkirui pulls away to beat Great Britain’s Gemma Steel by 12 seconds.