This November, Vote for Medicaid Expansion

The cost of health care, and especially prescription drugs, is taking a heavier and heavier toll on our families and neighbors. We can do something about that right now.

The 2017 ballot will ask Mainers if they want to expand Medicaid – a federal-state partnership which provides quality health care to low-income families.

The ballot language for Question 2 will read:

“Do you want Maine to expand Medicaid to provide healthcare coverage for qualified adults under age 65 with incomes at or below 138% of the federal poverty level, which in 2017 means $16,643 for a single person and $22,412 for a family of two?”

Federal funds were earmarked for Maine 3 years ago that would provide health insurance to 70,000 Mainers by expanding Medicaid coverage. The Maine Legislature passed legislation five times to put these federal funds to work for Maine. The Governor has vetoed each bill without having a true understanding of the implications.

No one should be blocked from accessing affordable health insurance, especially when so many need care or medicine and there are simple ways to improve the system.

Learn more about how expanding Medicaid is good for Maine’s economy

Expanding access to Medicaid is a common sense move that will improve health, create 3000 jobs throughout the State, and help preserve Maine’s community hospitals and health centers that so many of us depend on.

Increasing access to health coverage will prevent family illness or health problems from turning into bankruptcy, loss of a home, and destitution.

Increasing access to treatment will help us address Maine’s drug crisis which is hurting our communities. We need to invest in treatment options so our family, friends, and neighbors who are battling addiction can get the help they need.

During these uncertain times, it is more important than ever that we stand together, united for more affordable health care, not less!