Medicaid (MaineCare) doesn’t just benefit people who are low-income. All Maine people benefit from Medicaid. For example: Medicaid picks up costs such as “bad debt” that otherwise would be paid through your private insurance.

Hospitals in geographic areas hard hit by poverty, and thus having more Medicaid recipients, are subsidized under “Disproportionate Share” rules. Medicaid makes up a substantial portion of hospital costs. Many hospitals would close without it (and rural hospitals are already struggling).

Medicaid recipients do not get money. The money goes to people who provide health care (doctors, nurses, technicians, pharmacists, home health aides, etc.). Their wages or fees are spent on goods and services in their communities. This money helps Maine communities.

The Portland area stands to gain at least a quarter of a billion dollars. That’s an enormous gain on a 10 percent investment.

Dean Crocker

Manchester


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