Stories published in the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram, Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel.
Insurers' request for stay denied
Superintendent Alessandro Iuppa's finding reaffirms that Dirigo Health works, Gov. Baldacci says. [December 1, 2005]
Lawsuits seek to cut Dirigo payments
The $43.7 million that must be paid to the state's insurance program is too much, several groups say. [November 29, 2005]
Highest possible fee on insurers approved
The Dirigo Health board decides insurers should be assessed $43.7 million. An appeal is possible. [November 23, 2005]
Mills chides Baldacci on Dirigo Health
State Sen. Peter Mills of Cornville brought his campaign for the Republican gubernatorial nomination to the State House on Monday. Today's Question: Does Dirigo Health work? [November 22, 2005]
GOP lawmaker proposes Dirigo options
State House: The Frankfort representative calls premiums too high and benefits 'too stingy.' [November 17, 2005]
Insurers: Hospital savings a no-show
An industry group says If Dirigo Health is saving care providers money, it's not being passed on to insurers. [November 5, 2005]
Baldacci: Insurers can't transfer cost of new Dirigo fee
Some insurers are planning to raise premiums to pay a state fee to fund Maine's health insurance program. [November 4, 2005]
Dirigo Health's savings decided
Up to $43.7 million saved by the health reform plan will be collected from insurance companies. [October 30, 2005]
Insurers say Dirigo just one factor in lower health costs
Measuring the impact of the state's reform plan is critical to assessing a fee on insurance companies. [October 28, 2005]
Baldacci touts Dirigo plan at forum
Baldacci announced in May that the program would add thousands of families to the nearly 6,400 families and businesses already enrolled. [June 22, 2005]
Cost weakens support for Dirigo Health reforms
Some who backed the cutting-edge health plan now say it's too expensive to sustain. [June 12, 2005]
Curing Maine's Medicaid crisis with a prescription for success
Repealing Dirigo Health and insurance mandates would be first steps toward cutting huge costs. [June 12, 2005]
Drug discount program goes nationwide
The program by the pharmaceutical industry was first tried in Maine and eight other states. [June 7, 2005]
Hospital bill faces criticism from all sides
Even supporters of the governor's legislation say his effort to cut spending isn't good enough. [June 2, 2005]
Group: Expand health program
A coalition asks that enrollment caps for the insurance program DirigoChoice be lifted. Tell Us: Do you think DirigoChoice is working? [June 1, 2005]
DirigoChoice's savings, effectiveness in question
Supporters of the health insurance program say it is fulfilling its intended role. Some people disagree. Reader Comments: Are you participating in DirigoChoice? [May 27, 2005]
'Everyday people' weigh in on health care
Groups of Mainers gather in Biddeford and Orono to share opinions on cost control and other issues. [May 22, 2005]
State's Dirigo Health program expanding
Parents in Maine whose incomes are up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level now qualify. [May 3, 2005]
Grants benefit health-care services
Rural cancer patients, low-income children and refugees are among those who will be helped. [April 26, 2005]
Senators spar over imported drugs' safety
The bill would allow wholesalers and pharmacists to import FDA-approved drugs. Online Question: Do you think importing drugs is an effective way to reduce prescription prices? [April 20, 2005]
Pharmacists fault Maine drug plan
The Maine Pharmacy Association and the Ontario Pharmacists' Association said drugs purchased from foreign sources pose safety risks. [March 31, 2005]
Rep. Darlene Curley
: Mainers deserve better budget
Balancing high spending with more taxes and greatly increased state debt isn't the way to go. [March 24, 2005]
Pool for high-risk insured proposed
Two GOP bills are similar to a health care subsidy program that the state dropped in 1993. Reader comments: What do you think of the idea of removing minimum-coverage requirements for health insurance? [March 15, 2005]
Expert: Insured clients filling up Dirigo plan
Not only is the number of Mainers signing up for Gov. John Baldacci's state-backed Dirigo Health insurance program disappointing, but many of them come from private insurance plans rather than from the ranks of the uninsured, the head of a conservative think tank contends. [March 15, 2005]
Mainers help promote DirigoChoice
Republicans question low enrollment in the state's plan to ease access to health care coverage. [January 4, 2005]
Opinions differ on health plan
DirigoChoice begins today, with fewer people enrolled in the insurance program than officials had expected. Online Question: Will DirigoChoice health care coverage help you or your employees?
[January 1, 2005]
Maine Rx Plus works to increase discounts
Officials talk with 20 drug companies about offering discounts of 5 percent to 10 percent more. [November 26, 2004]
Conference confronts health care woes
Tough times are aheadfor Maine's health caresystem, most conference attendees agree. [November 10, 2004]
Health care can be an expensive gamble
For the uninsured, any day can bring a sudden, large bill with longterm financial consequences. [November 8, 2004]
Small businesses, big role
For the DirigoChoice health insurance plan to succeed, a critical mass of small businesses must join. [November 8, 2004]
Meet the uninsured
Students, carpenters, sales clerks - one in eight Maine adults lacks health insurance. The state's new Dirigo Health plan aims to curb the problem, but some doubt it will be the cure. [November 7, 2004]
When luck runs out, uninsured gardener turns to the hospital
Kathy Gerry a self-employed gardener doesn't have health benefits. [November 7, 2004]
MaineCare coverage: Now you're in, now you're out
Lose job, get on Medicaid. Get job, lose Medicaid. That's been Neil Freeman's story for the last seven years. [November 7, 2004]
Free clinics struggle to fill widening void
A handful of centers in the state provide vital - but limited - resources for the uninsured. [November 7, 2004]
Anthem's proposed increase protested
Nine individuals who use health services particularly often would see hikes from 109 to 158 percent. Tell Us: How would Anthem's proposed increase in health insurance premiums affect you? [October 21, 2004]
Cross-border drug sales halt urged by Canadians
TORONTO -- Canadians must stop Americans from using Internet pharmacies to raid its medicine chest or face a drug shortage, a coalition of Canadian groups representing seniors, pharmacies and patients has warned. [October 20, 2004]
Doctor targets limits on prescriptions
Medicaid patients restricted to 5 drugs [October 18, 2004]
Anthem beefs up team that answers DirigoChoice calls
AUGUSTA -- More than 1,800 people called to get information about a new health insurance program launched last week. [October 10, 2004]
Artists hear state's pitch for insurance
Some are skeptical of DirigoChoice, but many can't afford the premiums charged by other plans. [October 6, 2004]
Penobscots eager to get drug center
The proposed wholesale operation would provide needed jobs on the Indian Island reservation. [October 2, 2004]
Dirigo sign-up opens Monday for some
The unemployed, and employees of businesses not offering insurance, must wait until Feb. 1. [October 2, 2004]
Baldacci pitches plan for Canadian drugs
The proposal would be an economic boost for the Penobscot Nation, but it may face U.S. resistance. [October 1, 2004]
Drug costs dissected at health care symposium
There are risks to getting prescription drugs from Canada, speakers say. [September 17, 2004]
Much-altered 1st District puts focus on taxes, health care
A wealthier, more populous district can keep the Democratic incumbent or try a Republican. [September 5, 2004]
Disabled, advocates fight plan to cut aid
Personal assistance under MaineCare may be capped at 64 hours per week - far too little, critics say. [September 4, 2004]
Dirigo plan sign-ups start in fall
The public-private program will provide coverage priced on ability to pay. [August 24, 2004]
Hospitals say cap may limit services
The state hopes to hold down medical costs by cutting the amount spent on larger projects. [August 7, 2004]
Seniors, finding they save little, forgo drug cards
Some older Mainers say Canadian pharmacies offer the most reliable discounts. [August 2, 2004]
Hospitals say medical expansion cap targets them as cost-drivers
They support the cap in theory but fear that worthy projects will now have to compete for priority. [July 29, 2004]
State puts cap on hospital expansion
Officials hope to contain health care costs, but some lawmakers are upset that the decision excluded them. Today's Question: Will the cap help keep health care costs from rising?
[July 28, 2004]
Racino: ATM, no smoking, open late
An advisory council reaches early consensus on some rules, but can't agree on a wager limit or ad standards. Today's Question: Should smoking be allowed in racinos? [July 16, 2004]
For best drug discounts, uninsured Mainers must do homework
Pfizer's new assistance program is among several that offer help to more than 275,000 Mainers. [July 13, 2004]
Medical growth panned as costly
An alliance is urging Gov. Baldacci to cap medical expansion projects now, instead of in January. Today's Question: Will a cap on capital spending by hospitals keep costs down without adverse side effects? [July 11, 2004]
Uninsured young adults abound
They now comprise a disproportionately large share of those without health insurance. [June 24, 2004]
Hospitals made a healthy profit, state report shows
Hospitals can now slow spending, the governor's office says, and not affect finances or quality of care. [June 22, 2004]
Supreme Court protects HMOs
A Maine law that allowed people denied care to sue HMOs for damages is struck down. Today's Question: Do you agree with the Supreme Court? [June 22, 2004]
Richard C. Dillihunt
: Prescription drug costs now a national scandal
New benefits yield little real help, but there are still some things people can do to cut their expenses. [June 22, 2004]
Dirigo hailed as count of uninsured swells
The problem is moving into the middle class, finds a study of those who go without health coverage. [June 17, 2004]
Dirigo Health Now! a coalition with a plan
An alliance forms to persuade Mainers to sign up for Gov. Baldacci's health-care program. [June 15, 2004]
Only one insurer submits Dirigo bid
But Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield says it can't meet the state's deadline for beginning coverage. [June 12, 2004]
Drug cards explained, defended
A Senate panel questionsa Medicare official about savings, pricing and educating the public. [June 9, 2004]
State's health plan is panned
Budget limits hurt infrastructure and medical development, says one hospital official. [June 5, 2004]
Snowe, Collins split on drug imports
The two Maine senators back different bills aimed at opening the U.S. to foreign pharmacies. [June 3, 2004]
Hospitals fail to offer consumers a price list
The law requires it, but a survey shows that many hospitals don't have it. [May 29, 2004]
Baldacci drafts health care plan
Maine hospitals express concern about spending targets suggested in the plan. [May 27, 2004]
Anthem declares interest in Dirigo
Other major insurers in Maine have chosen not to bid on handling the insurance program for low-income people. [May 26, 2004]
Maine's hospitals rate highly in care of heart patients
Two assessments measure quality of care for heart patients and patients' satisfaction. [May 26, 2004]
Dirigo bid prospects shrouded
The state won't identify insurers who met Monday's deadline for declaring intent to bid on the health-care program. [May 25, 2004]
MMC's got big plans; public's got questions
Portland residents can take a close look at the expansion at upcoming workshops and hearings. [May 25, 2004]
Dirigo Health faces key
Maine's ambitious program to cover all of its uninsured awaits word from insurers on whether they plan to bid. [May 23, 2004]
Maine hospitals are eager to build
A one-year moratorium has expired as $162 million in building projects awaits. [May 9, 2004]
Dirigo Health seeks bids from insurers
Carriers have until June 11 to offer proposals to cover self-employed Mainers and small-business employees. [May 9, 2004]
Drug card program met with confusion
Maine senior citizens say they have a hard time signing up, getting information on costs. [May 5, 2004]
Court date for Maine Rx canceled
Arguments are put off after the judge removes himself from the case. [April 13, 2004]
Dirigo board seeks bidders
The health program's board also reveals sample prices for cheaper coverage. [March 26, 2004]
Baldacci feeling pressure on Medicaid cuts
The governor proposed saving $9.5 million, but criticism has led to a review and new thinking. [March 24, 2004]
Governor: No cutting Dirigo to close deficit
The Medicaid expansion is set to start July 1 at an initial cost of $53 million. [March 19, 2004]
Will laptop expansion be deleted?
After a series of painful budget cuts, legislators are wary of passing new programs, even deserving ones. [March 16, 2004]
Head of FDA pressed to ease drug imports
Mark McClellan tells senators, including Olympia Snowe, that ensuring safety would be costly. [March 12, 2004]
Wayne M. O'Leary
: Prescription for failure
The recent spate of White House-sponsored public-service announcements hailing the supposed benefits of newly enacted reforms, Medicare's days may be numbered. [February 22, 2004]
Snowe co-sponsors bill to negotiate drug costs
Just months after providing key votes in a legislative overhaul of Medicare, Sens. Olympia Snowe and Ron Wyden are proposing changes to the system. [February 7, 2004]
House tackles Medicaid shortfall
Debate centered around a proposed new tax on hospitals. [January 30, 2004]
Rally targets hospital execs
Health-care reform activists question'hospitals' cry of poverty' when many executives make six-figure salaries. [January 30, 2004]
Vincent S. Conti: MaineCare 'fix' could make it worse
Maine is turning down its obligation to fund the benefits it requires. [January 30, 2004]
Panel backs more time for Downs to find site
Lawmakers reject two tribes' proposal to reopen bidding on Bangor's racino. [January 29, 2004]
Great resume, tough job ahead
A veteran consultant leads the state agency that will bring universal health care to Maine. [January 19, 2004]
Jim Clair: Don't pile costs on druggists' backs
It costs $6.75 to fill a prescription, so cutting the fee to $2 really hurts. [January 19, 2004]
Bart Jansen
: Courts step aside, Maine Rx takes root
Nation watches as Maine's prescription-drug program begins. [January 18, 2004]
Callers flooding Rx Plus help line
An estimated 275,000 people are eligible for the state's new discount drug plan. [January 16, 2004]
Pharmacists, patients pan Medicaid cuts
Increasing co-payments could put critical medicines out of reach for many, a recipient says. [January 16, 2004]
Maine Rx Plus set to start
The discount-drug program, aimed at 275,000 Mainers, is available beginning Saturday. [January 14, 2004]
Dirigo Health leader selected
Thomas Dunne of Cape Elizabeth is the agency's first executive director. [January 10, 2004]
Lisa Pohlmann: Medicaid shortfall will hurt the poor
Gov. Baldacci shouldn't let this program create a conflict with the goals of Dirigo Health. [January 8, 2004]
New Medicare drug coverage stalls state's discount plan
Maine Rx Plus is on hold while officials try to decide how it can co-exist with the new Medicare prescription benefit. Today's Question: How effective will Maine Rx Plus be? [January 3, 2004]
Uninsured await Dirigo Health
Maine's new health-care program, due to start in July, aims to help the thousands who have no insurance. [December 27, 2003]
Health care, tax relief Baldacci priorities
The governor says that the major victories of his first year in office will continue to be his biggest challenges. [December 25, 2003]
Trish Riley: State shouldn't cut back on medical care
Despite critics' charges, Medicaid and Dirigo Health are vital programs. [December 23, 2003]
EDITORIAL: Canadian drugs are safe, so what's the real issue?
The FDA cannot cite a single instance of someone dying or being injured because of a prescription filled in Canada. [December 4, 2003]
CRAIG S. RUSSELL: Dirigo will work if it manages demand
That's not reducing access to health care; it's seeking the right care at the right time. [November 24, 2003]
Snowe: Ease limits on drug imports
But the FDA says it would not be able to make sure the medicine is safe. [November 21, 2003]
State explores drug imports
Government leaders turn to Canada in their quest to lower prescription drug costs. [November 16, 2003]
Nominees confirmed for Dirigo Health
Some Republicans saw a slant to the choices for the program's board. [October 31, 2003]
Panel will study ways to trim hospital costs
Gov. Baldacci appoints nine members to the committee created as part of his health reform bill. [October 11, 2003]
Free health clinic hopes to fill gap for uninsured
The facility in Buxton opens at a time when more and more Mainers are without medical coverage. [October 9, 2003]
Maine gets mixed grades in health insurance
The state is better than the national average of uninsured residents, but trails other New England states. [September 30, 2003]
Bart Jansen: Drug debate rages as more head to Canada
How skeptical is America that Congress will provide a prescription-drug benefit within Medicare? Too impatient to wait any longer as congressional negotiations grind along after five years of debate.
[September 28, 2003]
Baldacci nominates 11 to health council
The advisory group will set policy guidelines, hire a director and establish benefits for the Dirigo Health program. [September 27, 2003]
Ruling by insurance chief leads to tension
Consumer advocates criticize a decision that co-payments can exceed half of the cost of service. [September 23, 2003]
Hawaiians research Maine Rx
The two state senators are hoping to apply in Hawaii lessons from Maine's implemention of a prescription drug plan. [September 5, 2003]
Industry sues to stop new law on prescriptions
Pharmacy benefit managers don't want to reveal arrangements with prescription drug makers. [September 4, 2003]
Baldacci creates panel to seek health savings
The objective is to coordinate programs funded by government. [Portland Press Herald, August 30, 2003]
Baldacci: Goals within reach
WATERVILLE — Maine Gov. John E. Baldacci told a group of local senior citizens Monday he considers property tax relief and health care reform critical issues for Maine as it builds its economic future. [Central Maine Newspapers, July 22, 2003]
Health alliance, FTC settle
The federal agency had charged that a network of doctors and hospitals engaged in illegal price fixing in five Maine counties. [Portland Press Herald, July 19, 2003]
Taking the lead
Even lawmakers who disagree with Gov. John Baldacci acknowledge that he has put his stamp on the 121st Legislature with a well-honed agenda. [Maine Sunday Telegram, June 22, 2003]
Baldacci signs Dirigo Health
Gov. John Baldacci signed into law Wednesday an unprecedented health reform program that is designed to cover all uninsured state residents within five years. [Central Maine Newspapers, June 19, 2003]
Supporters celebrate as Dirigo Health bill signed
Maine's new law expanding access to health insurance is hailed as a model for the nation. [Portland Press Herald, June 19, 2003]
Delegation differs over Medicare plan
Sens. Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe praise a Senate drug plan, but Rep. Tom Allen has concerns about the House version. [Portland Press Herald, June 18, 2003]
State seeks Medicaid drug limits
Opponents say reducing access to more-expensive medicines could especially hurt mentally ill patients. [Portland Press Herald, June 17, 2003]
Allen co-sponsors bill to study drug costs and effectiveness
The studies would try to cut spending by providing information outside of direct-to-consumer ads. [Portland Press Herald, June 16, 2003]
Dirigo Health has long way to go
The new health-care reform bill leaves many details to be ironed out and it is unclear how - or if - it will work. [Maine Sunday Telegram, June 15, 2003]
MaineGeneral: On the move or moving on?
Staff writer Dan McGillvray met this week with Scott Bullock, chief executive officer of MaineGeneral Health, in his Waterville office. MaineGeneral Medical Center, with hospitals in Augusta and Waterville, is the group1s main holding. [Central Maine Newspapers, June 15, 2003]
Dirigo Health plan approved
Maine lawmakers gave final approval Friday to a bill to create one of the nation's most far-reaching health insurance plans. [Central Maine Newspapers, June 14, 2003]
Innovative health bill embraced
After weeks of discussion, Maine lawmakers approve Dirigo Health, described as a groundbreaking approach to health-care reform. [Portland Press Herald, June 14, 2003]
House OKs changes to prescription plan
Those who qualify for Maine Rx-Plus would get discounts on certain prescription medications. [Portland Press Herald, June 13, 2003]
Health-care bill close to passage in Legislature
The plan would provide insurance for thousands of Mainers and also seeks to control the cost of coverage. [Portland Press Herald, June 13, 2003]
Groups try altering health bill
Business groups say they want assurance that health-care reform won't unintentionally raise costs. [Portland Press Herald, June 12, 2003]
Health-care plan close to passage
But some opposition remains to the new public-private insurance program called Dirigo Health. [Portland Press Herald, June 11, 2003]
Health plan's funding criticized
Greater Portland Chambers of Commerce suggests two phases and further study for the governor's Dirigo proposal. [Portland Press Herald, June 10, 2003]
Health care deal struck
A legislative panel agrees on a reform plan that expands coverage [Portland Press Herald, June 10, 2003]
Maine health-care reform bypasses dental needs
A Baldacci spokesman says dental care isn't in the plan because there are too few dentists in the state. [Portland Press Herald, June 9, 2003]
Key hurdle resolved on health care
Gov. John Baldacci wins over insurers and business groups on his reform plan, but Republican legislators may have other ideas. [Portland Press Herald, June 7, 2003]
Outlook brightens for Baldacci health care proposal
Business groups and labor unions who have slammed Baldacci's decision to ease restrictions in his health care reform bill will discuss a compromise today. [Portland Press Herald, June 6, 2003]
Baldacci: Health plan's chances improve
The governor's health care reform proposal went back to a select legislative committee Wednesday. [Portland Press Herald, June 5, 2003]
Baldacci OKs bills meant to lower drug prices
One forces disclosure of actual retail prices; a second requires pharmacists to dispense generic equivalents. [Portland Press Herald, June 4, 2003]
Revised Maine Rx unveiled
State officials say Maine Rx Plus will offer bigger drug discounts and cost the state less [Portland Press Herald, May 31, 2003]
Deals on health care raise concerns
Some groups worry that businesses and consumers will pay for compromises in the governor's reform plan. [Portland Press Herald, May 31, 2003]
Retirees urge Snowe to pass drug plan
The senator says she is confident the time is right for a prescription benefit plan that works for seniors. [Portland Press Herald, May 30, 2003]
Baldacci, health-care industry compromise
Consumer advocates claim the governor caved too easily to settle disputes over his reform proposal. [Portland Press Herald, May 30, 2003]
Hospitals lobbying against health-care reform
They are pressuring rural legislators, warning of dire effects if Gov. Baldacci's Dirigo Health Plan passes. [Portland Press Herald, May 29, 2003]
Bill requires drug makers to disclose marketing expenses
The governor hasn't said if he would sign the bill, which requires drug firms to reveal what they spend on marketing. [Portland Press Herald, May 29, 2003]
Lawyers: Health plan follows rules
Two state attorneys told a legislative committee Tuesday that the governor's health plan follows established rules for assessing insurance carriers and for making use of federal money. [Central Maine Newspapers, May 28, 2003]
Seniors hope and wonder if Maine Rx can prevail
Seniors and advocacy groups see problems to overcome before the drug program can help them. [Portland Press Herald, May 20, 2003]
Incremental start likely for Maine Rx
Gov. Baldacci says many details of the prescription benefit program must still be worked out. [Portland Press Herald, May 20, 2003]
High court allows start of Maine Rx
The state can now begin negotiating big discounts on drug prices, but the program faces further tests. [Portland Press Herald, May 20, 2003]
| 
