Augusta, ME - Governor Janet Mills announced today that 529 Mainers have now qualified for health insurance under Medicaid expansion in the first week since she issued Executive Order One directing the Department of Health and Human Services to begin implementation. The information was made public this morning as part of a new blog spearheaded by Acting DHHS Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew. Governor Mills issued the following statement:
“One week ago, 529 people did not have the health care coverage that they have today. For many of these folks, this has the power to change their lives for the better. Now they can see a doctor, receive preventive care, afford critical prescription medications, and much more,” said Governor Mills. “I want to ensure that Maine people have access to health care and this is a positive step forward in that effort. My Administration will continue to partner with health care providers, advocates, patients, the business community and others to ensure that every eligible Mainer knows they can now apply to enroll in MaineCare and receive the care they need.”
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, in the last week, 529 individuals have been granted expansion-related coverage. The Department has received approximately 2,000 phone calls each day since Governor Mills’ Executive Order. Meanwhile, regional offices saw high lobby traffic, with Bangor reporting a notable number of MaineCare expansion applications submitted. Prior to January 4, 8,061 individuals had applied for coverage.