“This truly historic legislation will extend health coverage to an estimated 63,000 uninsured Mainers and their families,” said MECEP Executive Director Christopher “Kit” St. John. “It guarantees that no one will lose their health insurance when they become sick or will be denied coverage because they or a family member have asthma, diabetes or some other pre-existing condition. It makes quality health care available to Maine small businesses at a price they and their employees can afford. It fills the so-called ‘donut hole’ in Medicare prescription drug coverage for 225,000 Maine seniors. It puts the brakes on soaring insurance premiums that have put basic health coverage out of the reach of families and businesses. It is the single most important health legislation since the creation of Medicare 45 years ago.”
MECEP also expressed its appreciation to Maine senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins for their efforts to advance Senate legislation and urged them to work with both Republicans and Democrats in the Senate to forge consensus on the reconciliation legislation that now awaits Senate passage.
