AUGUSTA - A majority of the Legislature's Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee voted last week to advance a bill sponsored by Rep. Melanie Sachs, D-Freeport, that aims to safeguard reproductive health care services during consolidations and mergers between health care providers.
LD 263 would ensure that access to health care services, including screenings and treatments, are not diminished due to a health care merger or acquisition. The bill would require the Commissioner of Health and Human Services to approve the transaction only if they determine that the project will not reduce access to any sexual or reproductive health services, including abortion care.
"Everyone should have access to high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health services in their communities, no matter their race, income, citizenship status, type of insurance, religious beliefs or gender identity," said Sachs. "This bill will help ensure that this access remains intact for Mainers, regardless of any mergers or acquisitions that are taking place."
The bill faces votes in the House and Senate in the coming weeks.
Sachs is serving her second term in the Maine House of Representatives and represents House District 102, which includes Freeport. She serves as House chair of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Sachs], c. 305-965-2744