AUGUSTA — A Maine lawmaker has proposed a bill that would raise the MaineCare reimbursement rate at the state’s 10 methadone clinics.

The Portland Press Herald reports Republican Sen. David Woodsome, of North Waterboro, is sponsoring legislation that would increase the weekly reimbursement rate from $60 to $80 per patient.

The bill is one of several proposals aimed at fighting the state’s heroin epidemic.

The increase would cost the state an estimated $950,000. Woodsome say evidence has shown him that methadone should be funded at higher levels because it’s scientifically proven to be effective in treating opiate addictions.

An attorney who represents the state’s methadone clinics says the reimbursement rate makes it hard for new clinics to get established.

A public hearing on the bill is scheduled for Thursday.