DHHS considers dramatic cuts
The state Department of Health and Human Services has proposed cutting $179 million from its budget over the next two fiscal years, in a move a hospital representative says will affect the ability of all Mainers to obtain health care.
In response to a directive from Gov. John Baldacci to cut spending in light of a budget shortfall, DHHS proposes $80.2 million in cuts in the first year of the biennial budget, which starts next July, and $98.9 million in the second year, according to Capitol News Service. The cuts include eliminating some services for MaineCare enrollees over the age of 21 with income between 100% and 150% of the poverty level, childless adults and some people with disabilities. Contracted services would also be cut significantly.
Mary Mayhew, spokeswoman for the Maine Hospital Association, said DHHS's proposal to alter payment for doctors and critical-access hospitals would push patients into emergency rooms, where treatment is more costly, the news service reported.
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