Health insurance bill nets Senate support
The Senate yesterday approved an amended version of a sweeping health insurance bill, which now returns to the House for a final vote.
The Senate voted 24-10 in favor of LD 1333 with some changes, according to the Portland Press Herald. The bill proposes a number of changes to the state's health insurance market, including allowing New England companies to sell insurance in Maine beginning in 2014 and giving insurance companies more leeway in setting rates based on age, occupation and place of residence. In approving the bill, the Senate voted to remove the place of residence option and added wording to clarify that insurance companies would still be required to pay for treatment at any hospital, though they could offer financial incentives if people go to recommended hospitals.
Supporters of the bill say increased competition and other changes would lead to lower rates, especially for younger people, while opponents say it would increase costs for the elderly and people living in rural areas. The House approved the bill last week.
The House must now decide whether to accept the version with the Senate's changes or send the original bill back to the Senate for another vote. The House was expected to take up the measure this morning, according to the paper.
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