Summary:
Current Status of Medicaid Expansion in State:
State has decided not to expand
Decision Process:
Governor LePage announced his decision that Maine would not participate in the expansion.
Background:
· Currently:
27% of Mainers are enrolled in Medicaid. 68% of all beneficiaries have managed care. The state's Medicaid program covers up to 200% FPL depending on the specific program. MaineCare is run by the Department of Health and Human Services.
· Expansion:
An expansion of Medicaid to 133% FPL would be a 12% increase over current enrollment.
· Process:
Maine has rejected the expansion and is seeking further cuts. This decision was made by Governor before he faced current opposition from a Democratic legislature.
State Activity:
· Governor Paul LePage called the expansion of Medicaid the degradation of a premier healthcare system. Maine was one of the states that sued for repeal of the ACA.
· Maine has filed a lawsuit to be able to rollback existing Medicaid coverage, arguing that the Supreme Court decision allows them to do so.
· Maine has received an 1115 Waiver to expand coverage of 19 and 20 year olds up to 150% FPL (including additional limits on assets).
· An advisory council was put together for the exchange, but there has been so apparent move or other stakeholder and public involvement for the expansion.
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