Insurance and Health Care in Maine

Employer health insurance is the most common type of health insurance in Maine, covering 53% of the population. Medicaid covers 19%, slightly higher than the national average of 13%, and Medicare covers 13%. Ten percent of the people in Maine are uninsured, lower than the national average of 16%.

Maine does not offer high risk pool insurance for individuals whose medical conditions prevent them from getting affordable private health insurance; however, there are limits on the insurance premiums that can be charged to HIPAA-eligible individuals.

Minors, pregnant women, and disabled persons who meet strict income guidelines may qualify for Maine’s Medicaid program, MaineCare. MaineCare also covers children eligible for insurance under SCHIP guidelines.

Maine Healthcare Rank

Maine scores well in cardiac care with appropriate tests and treatments regularly being given to people who suffer from heart failure or heart attacks.

An area in Maine’s healthcare system that has potential for improvement and growth, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is nursing home care. Compared to other states, a relatively high number of nursing home residents experience loss of bowel or bladder control, depression and anxiety, and declining mobility.

Maine's Health Legislation

In December 2007, the Labor Committee narrowly approved a bill that would mandate businesses with over 25 employees to provide paid sick time to their workers. The legislature is currently debating this bill. Representative Jacqueline Norton (D), who introduced the bill, has stated that half of Maine workers do not receive paid sick time. This measure is being strenuously opposed by the business community.

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