Bill > LD2208

This bill establishes three new programs and funds to support healthcare access and affordability in Maine. First, it creates the Rural Hospital Stabilization Program to provide grants to rural healthcare providers and facilities to help cover operating costs, including start-up expenses, and to ensure the continuation of essential services that are at risk of being reduced or eliminated. Second, it establishes the Health Care Premium Stabilization Fund to maintain health insurance coverage for Maine residents through the state's Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicaid, or other federal programs, particularly if the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) is repealed or altered in a way that limits access to comprehensive coverage; this fund will also provide state subsidies to offset the impact of expiring enhanced premium tax credits from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, potentially expanding assistance to more individuals. Third, it creates the MaineCare Federal Response Fund to supplement the MaineCare program, which is a state and federal program providing health coverage to low-income individuals and families, in case federal funding contributions are reduced, and allows for funds to be used for outreach and to address changes in federal eligibility and renewal requirements. The bill also includes appropriations to fund these initiatives, with significant one-time funding allocated to each of the new funds and to the Maine Guaranteed Access Reinsurance Association to bolster its reinsurance program.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=2208&snum=132