On Wednesday, regulators at the Department of Health and Human Services will hear a proposal concerning Brunswick’s two hospitals that could set the tone for health care over the next decade in Maine. Central Maine Healthcare is bidding to acquire Parkview hospital in Brunswick, after taking over management of the 55-bed hospital several years ago and covering its losses. Mid […]
health care
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine businesses decry health care overhaul
BOOTHBAY (AP) — A group of small business owners in Maine’s mid-coastal area say they want the health care insurance overhaul bill that was passed by the Legislature last year to be repealed. Members of the Maine Small Business Coalition plan a news conference Thursday in Boothbay. They say the Republican-backed overhaul law has caused […]
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Posted inOur View
OUR VIEW: Access to care determined by income and race
The latest compilation of U.S. Census figures confirms the embarrassing truth about our health care system, that the poorest and sickest often get the least basic care like checkups and dental exams. The findings come from a report titled Health Status, Health Insurance and Medical Services Utilization: 2010. The good news is that two thirds of […]
Posted inOpinion, sj-web
OPINION: Flaws that will unravel Obama’s health plan
The debate over President Barack Obama’s health-care law has taken another twist. Now conservatives and libertarians are defending it, while the administration tries to toss part of the legislation out. The reason for this role reversal is that the drafters of the law outsmarted themselves and handed their opponents a weapon. Now they would like […]
Posted inMaine
Report claims state health insurance reform not working
AUGUSTA — A Republican-backed state law aimed at lowering health insurance premiums in Maine is being panned in a new report by affordable health care advocates. But supporters of the law, especially those who wrote and co-sponsored it in the Maine Legislature, say the law is working but needs to be fully implemented before anyone […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
USM grad diagnosed with lymphoma, faces both student debt and health care crises
PORTLAND, Maine — As much as he prefers to focus on other things — his faith in God, appreciating the beauty in everyday life — Matthew Nelson finds himself at the confluence of two of the country’s hot button issues. Nelson graduated from the University of Southern Maine in December 2011 with $27,000 in student […]
Posted inLetters
R. Caron: Beware Ryan’s agenda
When John McCain (who was not a Republican favorite candidate) made his bold move by taking Sarah Palin as his running mate, Palin came out blazing like the wildfire now burning on the West Coast. She ended up destroying their chances for the White House. Mitt Romney also made a bold move by choosing Rep. […]
Posted inBusiness, sj-web
Portland hospital may be sold to for-profit company
PORTLAND — Mercy Health System of Maine has entered into a letter of intent to sell Mercy Hospital and its other facilities to a Boston-based hospital chain under a plan in which the hospital would keep its Catholic affiliation, Mercy officials announced Monday. The nonbinding letter of intent is the first step toward reaching a […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
Medicare barbs dominate White House race
TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. (AP) — Showing no signs of letting up, Mitt Romney and Barack Obama are doubling down on claims the other would threaten seniors’ golden years. Both campaigns sharpened their critique of the other’s Medicare policies in recent days and planned to intensify them yet again on Sunday, as the already acrimonious race […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
ACOs offer new approach to care for Medicare users
STATE — Medicare recipients will soon have the opportunity to join an initiative that aims to reduce costs and provide better health care. Across the state, Maine’s health care providers are reorienting care delivery by creating Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). The 2010 Affordable Care Act authorizes the creation of ACOs and 89 groups across the […]