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MAINE DEPARTMENT OF PROFESSIONAL
AND FINANCIAL REGULATION

35 SHS, Augusta, Maine 04333

 
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Work Group to Address Health Insurance for Long Term Care Workers

 

June 18, 2008

 

 

Maine Bureau of Insurance Convenes Work Group to Increase Access to Health Insurance by Long-term Care Workers

AUGUSTA, MAINE – Acting at the request of the Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Insurance and Financial Services, the Maine Bureau of Insurance has initiated a series of stakeholder meetings intended to identify specific options aimed at making health insurance more accessible to workers in nursing facilities and home health care settings. The newly formed workgroup held its first meeting on June 18, 2008.

“Demand for direct long-term care workers is growing faster than the supply and could lead to a serious workforce shortage, and health insurance plays a role in that,” noted Insurance Superintendent Mila Kofman. “Many home care providers do not offer health insurance to their direct care workers. While the majority of facility-based agencies (such as nursing homes or assisted living facilities) offer insurance, many of their workers cannot afford the premiums.”

“We believe increased options for health insurance coverage are needed to support the recruitment and retention of direct care workers who provide home care and long-term care for Maine’s elderly and persons with disabilities,” stated Senator Nancy B. Sullivan, Senate Chair of the Insurance and Financial Services Committee.

Nationally, as many as 25 percent of nursing home workers and 40 percent of home care workers lack health insurance coverage. The workgroup will meet throughout the summer to identify possible solutions to the high cost of health insurance coverage for long-term care workers. Group members include legislators and long-term care workers, as well as representatives from the Governor’s office, the MaineCare program, the Maine State Employee Health Commission, and the Dirigo Health Agency. A report will be submitted to the Insurance and Financial Services Committee by October 1, 2008.

The Bureau of Insurance is part of the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation which encourages sound ethical business practices through impartial and efficient regulation of insurers, financial institutions, creditors, investment providers, and numerous professions and occupations for the purpose of protecting the citizens of Maine. Consumers can reach the Bureau through its web site at www.maine.gov/insurance; by calling 800-300-5000 in state; or by writing to Bureau of Insurance, 34 State House Station, Augusta ME 04333.

Last Updated: June 18, 2008 4:06 PM