Lawmakers, lobbyists and members of the public discussed ways to change the Dirigo Health funding structure at a legislative hearing yesterday.
Rep. Sharon Treat (D-Hallowell) and the administration of Gov. John Baldacci have submitted bills to the Legislature’s Insurance and Financial Services Committee to replace the current savings offset payment funding method with a 2.14% tax on paid claims, according to the Kennebec Journal. The new funding method would “save money by cutting out administrative waste,” Treat told the paper.
Lawmakers in support of the bill said the program was too important to lose. But opponents said the tax would force those who have insurance to pay for Dirigo, and a lobbyist for Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield suggested the state use General Fund money instead.
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