AUGUSTA - A proposal from Rep. Poppy Arford, D-Brunswick, to ensure Mainers who lose their health insurance have the information they need to transition to new coverage was signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Janet Mills.
"Transitions in health coverage are often difficult to navigate. This is especially true when they coincide with other life changes, like losing a job," said Arford. "Too many people are confused and overwhelmed by the process and, as a result, are missing enrollment periods or failing to apply for more affordable options. This bill will provide Mainers in this tough situation with the straightforward, accurate information they need to make the best possible decisions."
Arford introduced LD 653 after speaking with the Consumers for Affordable Health Care, which runs Maine's Health Insurance Consumer Assistance Program. The organization was seeing a significant increase in calls from Mainers who had lost their employer-based health insurance and lacked the information they needed to secure new coverage. The bill also earned support from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and Maine Equal Justice.
"This commonsense legislation could have a big impact on people's health and financial security," said Maine Equal Justices Kathy Kilrain del Rio at a public hearing on the bill earlier this year. "When Mainers know their options, they can make informed decisions about their health care coverage."
Under LD 653, insurance carriers will be required to notify individuals of certain information before terminating their health insurance coverage. That includes information on how to avoid a gap in coverage and available resources to help people navigate their options.
Maine law already required insurance carriers to provide limited information to people losing their coverage, but until now, the law was out of date and inadequate.
The measure will go into effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns next month.
Arford represents part of Brunswick and is serving her first term in the Maine House of Representatives. She sits on the Legislatures Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Arford], c. 812-1111