Health insurance bill to become law
A bill that overhauls the state's health insurance system is headed for Gov. Paul LePage's desk, after it won Senate support yesterday.
The Senate voted 24-10 to give final approval to LD 1333 following tense floor debate during which Democrats accused Republicans of rushing the bill through without giving the appropriations committee time to analyze it, according to MaineToday Media. 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 occupation and place of residence. Though the changes are directed to the 40,000 people who buy insurance independently or through employers with 50 or fewer employees, nearly all policyholders will have to pay a tax on premiums that could be as much as $4 per person per month. Federal and state workers, including legislators, are exempt from the tax.
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 especially for people living in rural areas.
LePage is scheduled to sign the bill today at 12:30.
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