Health Care
Access to affordable, quality health care is part of my vision for investing in Maine people and creating a fair and stable business environment. All Maine people deserve quality affordable health care. My goal is to make Maine the healthiest state in the nation. I created the Governor's Office of Health Policy and Finance and established the comprehensive Dirigo Health Reform to address the needs of Maine families, workers and businesses.
- Dirigo Health, my Administration's landmark health care reform, provides affordable, accessible, quality health care.
- As of June 2006, more than 15,800 people and 2,300 businesses have coverage.
- Maine is one of seven states to reduce its uninsured population between 2000 and 2004.
- $78 million of savings has been achieved in Maine's health care system in the last two years.
- The John F. Kennedy School of Government and partners named Dirigo one of the Top 18 Government Innovations for 2006.
- We led the effort that created the first of its kind tri-state state administered Medicaid supplemental drug rebate pool to help control the costs of prescription drugs.
- When the federal Medicare Part D program fell short of its promise to provide prescription drug coverage for Maine seniors, we provided assistance and funding to fill the gaps, ensuring Mainers were able to obtain lifesaving medications.
- We were recognized in 2006 by the American Lung Association for having achieved the first ever all-A report card of states on efforts to reduce tobacco use.
