“We’ve known all along that the benefits from accepting federal dollars at the state level are significant,” Martin said. “This new analysis provides insight on the impacts by county. Since health care and hospitals account for a large share of the economy in almost every county, leveraging federal funds to pay health care providers would bring tremendous benefits to local economies.”
MECEP generated county level impact analysis based on information contained in our report “Federal Health Care Funding Makes Dollars and Sense for Maine ” released in January. This new analysis used IMPLAN, a data tool used by economic developers and researchers, to evaluate local economic impacts.
“Maine ranks last in New England and 46th in the nation in job creation since 2011,” Martin said. “We should be doing everything we can to put Maine people back to work. Accepting federal health care funds could help with this a lot. When health care providers get paid for the services they deliver, the money they receive ripples through the economy as they purchase other goods and services in their local community. This is one of the best opportunities to boost Maine’s economy we’ve seen in a long time. In fact, Maine is actually projected to save money over the next ten years by accepting these funds. It’s a win-win all around.”
Projected impact numbers based on MECEP’s analysis using IMPLAN by county follow. Note: job numbers are approximate and may be lower or higher than projected due to individuals seeking health services outside of the county in which they live. Dollars added to the local economy include new money as well as money that would be lost if Maine does not accept federal funds.
Androscoggin County
• 378 jobs created or retained
• 5,829 individuals eligible for health coverage
• $30.7 million added to the local economy per year
Aroostook County
• 280 jobs created or retained
• 4,615 individuals eligible for health coverage
• $24.3 million added to the local economy per year
Cumberland County
• 846 jobs created or retained
• 12,018 individuals eligible for health coverage
• $63.3 million added to the local economy per year
Franklin County
• 123 jobs created or retained
• 1,878 individuals eligible for health coverage
• $9.9 million added to the local economy per year
Hancock County
• 204 jobs created or retained
• 3,235 individuals eligible for health coverage
• $17.1 million added to the local economy per year
Kennebec County
• 367 jobs created or retained
• 5,997 individuals eligible for health coverage
• $31.6 million added to the local economy per year
Knox County
• 154 jobs created or retained
• 2,317 individuals eligible for health coverage
• $12.2 million added to the local economy per year
Lincoln County
• 124 jobs created or retained
• 1,817 individuals eligible for health coverage
• $9.6 million added to the local economy per year
Oxford County
• 231 jobs created or retained
• 3,806 individuals eligible for health coverage
• $20.1 million added to the local economy per year
Penobscot County
• 545 jobs created or retained
• 8,447 individuals eligible for health coverage
• $44.5 million added to the local economy per year
Piscataquis County
• 63 jobs created or retained
• 1,067 individuals eligible for health coverage
• $5.6 million added to the local economy per year
Sagadahoc County
• 34 jobs created or retained
• 1,456 individuals eligible for health coverage
• $7.7 million added to the local economy per year
Somerset County
• 207 jobs created or retained
• 3,590 individuals eligible for health coverage
• $18.9 million added to the local economy per year
Waldo County
• 161 jobs created or retained
• 2,629 individuals eligible for health coverage
• $13.9 million added to the local economy per year
Washington County
• 155 jobs created or retained
• 2,601 individuals eligible for health coverage
• $13.7 million added to the local economy per year
York County
• 513 jobs created or retained
• 8,196 individuals eligible for health coverage
• $43.2 million added to the local economy per year
