Baldacci, Carter detail health care
proposals

By Susan M. Cover
Staff Writer

AUGUSTA- Two of the four gubernatorial candidates outlined their health 
care policies Monday,with both calling it their top priority.
     Democratic U.S. Rep. John Baldacci and Green Independent Jonathan
Carter told more than 250 people at the Consumers for Affordable Health
Care conference that they want to provide health coverage for everyone.
     Baldacci said he wants to develop a state health plan to address issues
facing Mainers.
     "We've not had one for over 20 years," he said.
     Carter called for a single-payer, single choice system that would use ex-
isting federal Medicaid and Medicare money and payroll tax money from
companies.
     "This is a very passionate issue for me," Carter said. "I see folks who
have to give up their health care because they can't pay their mortgage.
     Republican candidate Peter Cianchette and Independent John Michael
did not attend the forum.
     The event, which was followed by questions and answers from the aud-
ience, capped a daylong seminar that featured workshops on small business
plans, prescription drug costs and family coverage.  The seminar, called
"Universal Health Care: Time For Action!" was held at the Augusta Civic
Center.
     Former state Sen. Chellie Pingree, who is running for the U.S. Senate,
served as a speaker during a work session about ways to lower the costs of
prescription drugs.
     Jennifer Gillespie, a policy analyst for the National Academy for State
Health Policy, said she was disappointed that she didn't get to hear all the
gubernatorial candidates speak on the topic.
     "We're poised for a big problem with the way the population is going to
age and the way costs are rising," she said.
     Baldacci and Carter both said they want to take action.  Baldacci said he
wants to create a nonprofit organization that would pool public and private
entities to bid on health insurance.  He also wants to develop a school-based
program to encourage children to consider health care as a career field and
to teach them healthy habits.
     "In lots of cases, we walk in to the hospital and say, 'Make us better,' like
we didn't have anything to do with the problem," he said.
     Carter said a single-payer system will force companies that do not provide
adequate health insurance to employees to pay their fair share.  Other com-
panies will benefit, he said.
     "Businesses that are currently paying health care costs are going to save
money," he said.
     One audience member challenged Carter, saying he feared Carter would
take votes away from Baldacci and give Cianchette the race.
     "I'm not a spoiler, I'm a sweetner in this race, my friend," Carter said.
"This isn't about party politics.  This is about ideas and issues."

September 24, 2002

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