Coverage Matters Day

Maine is in a health care crisis. Approximately 165,000 people are living without health care coverage today, and that number is likely to increase due to the slowing economy, more layoffs, and the rising cost of private insurance forcing many individual policyholders to drop out of the "market".

Tuesday, January 22nd was a successful day for people in Maine concerned about access to health care. "Coverage Matters Day" was a forum for uninsured consumers, small business owners, and organizations to highlight the consequences of being uninsured. It also provided Mainers the opportunity to urge legislators to oppose proposed cuts to the Medicaid and Cub Care programs.

Held at the State House in the Hall of Flags, the event hosted a variety of organizations who displayed materials focusing on the importance of everyone in Maine having access to affordable, quality health care. Posters peppered the hall telling stories of those who are uninsured and of the human and economic consequences experienced when living without coverage.

A press conference was held early in the day where we heard from Mike Saxl, Speaker of the House, small business owners adversely impacted by recent premium increases, and consumers concerned about proposed cuts to Medicaid. Later in the day, numerous legislators perused the displays, spoke with consumers, and joined us for a lasagna dinner.

Immediately following this event, Governor King gave his State of the State address and fortunately health care was one of the major topics in his speech. With the consequences of living without health coverage fresh in the minds of reporters and other interested parties, considerable dialogue around Maine's health care crisis followed the Governor's address. Such attention given to the importance of affordable health care being available to all, makes the "Coverage Matters" day a huge success.

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