If MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital closes its maternity ward in Damariscotta, it would continue a long-term trend in Maine of closures as the state’s birth rate drops.
Joe Lawlor
Staff Writer
Joe Lawlor writes about health and human services for the Press Herald. A 24-year newspaper veteran, Lawlor has worked in Ohio, Michigan and Virginia before relocating to Maine in 2013 to join the Press Herald. He is still considered “from away” but since then, he has learned what a “dooryard” is, eaten “whoopie pies” drank Moxie and boiled some “lobstahs.” The stories he enjoys most are when he learns something and meeting inspiring people.
He lives in South Portland - aka “SoPo” - with his wife, Melanie, and two school-age children.
Posted inHealth, Maine, News, Politics
Maine upholds decision to suspend Medicaid payments to service provider
The Department of Health and Human Services suspended payments in December to Gateway Community Services, which has denied allegations of fraud.
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Posted inHealth, Maine, News
Mixed reaction to changes in Medicaid services for children with disabilities
After supporters raised an alarm, the Maine DHHS altered rules involving services for disabled children, fixing ‘what would have been some of the biggest threats to services,’ one advocate said.
Posted inMaine, News
Moratorium won’t impact existing home health, hospice services in Maine, advocates say
The Trump administration announced a 6-month moratorium on new agencies, citing ‘waste, fraud and abuse’ in Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Posted inMaine, News
Thousands of Mainers no longer receiving SNAP benefits
Historic changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program removed work exemptions and shifted more administrative costs to states.
Posted inHealth, Maine, News
Portland planning new communications policy for outbreaks on cruise ships
The Oceania Insignia docked in Portland in October while experiencing a norovirus outbreak.
Posted inHealth, Maine, News
MaineHealth to open space at Biddeford hospital for research trials
The health system secured $2 million in funding from the Maine Technology Institute to create the research unit.
Posted inMaine, News
Here’s the state of tick-borne diseases in Maine
Lyme disease cases have been on the rise across the state, which logged a record number in 2025.
Posted inHealth, Maine, News
MaineHealth ramping up chronic Lyme disease study
The study, which began in 2025, looks at why some people continue to have symptoms months or years after contracting the tick-borne bacterial infection.
Posted inHealth, Maine, News
Maine is preparing for new Medicaid work requirements in 2027
The state plans to hire 35 employees and spend $8 million to upgrade its online registration system.