(Augusta) Maine Voices for Coverage (MVC), a consumer advocacy initiative run by Consumers for Affordable Health Care, Maine Center for Economic Policy, Maine Equal Justice Partners, Maine Parent Federation, and the Maine People's Resource Center, distributed to the legislature a listing of Maine businesses enrolled in Dirigo Health Agency (DHA) insurance programs.  The listing, organized by town, names the 583 businesses enrolled in DirigoChoice or the Part-Time Worker Coverage Voucher Program.  The list was obtained by a Freedom of Access request.

MVC found it critical to highlight the role DHA plays in providing comprehensive coverage to such a substantial number of large and small businesses in the state.  Many notable businesses and organizations appear in the listing, and almost 15,000 Mainers are covered by DHA programs.  "We hope you find the enclosed to be informative and understand the impact funding cuts and or elimination of the program would have on your communities," the cover letter from MVC read.  "Policy decisions regarding the DHA program should be based on facts, not stereotypes, anecdotes, or ideology."

The group highlighted facts about DHA that legislators should consider as they vote on the budget and other proposals.

• DHA is offering competitive rates for its DirigoChoice product (a Harvard Pilgrim plan).  Businesses will face no increase in their premiums at renewal, while individual premiums will increase only 2%.  Please note that these increases apply to each unadjusted community rate class.  If a business or an individual moves into a different rating category, they may see a change in their premiums.  
• The Voucher Program is funded by a federal grant provided by the Human Resources and Service Administration.  It allows employers to offer the same health insurance coverage to part-time and seasonal workers as they do to full-time employees, but at only 5% of the monthly premium. 
• DHA plans pay private rates to hospitals and providers.
• Small business tax credits offered by the Affordable Care Act can be combined with a DHA product to create a viable option for businesses that could not afford coverage in the past.

DHA is currently accepting new individuals and businesses both on a subsidized and unsubsidized basis. Beginning on January 1, 2014, the state insurance exchanges created by the Affordable Care Act will become operational.  DHA remains a viable option to operate the exchange. 

Please click here for a copy of the letter sent to state legislators.

For the entire list of Maine businesses, please click on the link.