(Augusta) Consumers for Affordable Health Care today held a press conference at Bruno's Restaurant and Tavern in Portland highlighting the DirigoChoice, Part-Time Employee Voucher Program, and the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Program (PCIP).  Bruno's is enrolled in the DirigoChoice program, as is Tedford Housing, whose Executive Director Don Kniseley spoke at the press conference.  Other speakers included Roberta Lane, a Health and Life Agent with O'Hearn Insurance Agency and Sharon Mullett, the Benefits Administrator at People's Regional Opportunity Program (PROP). 

"After facing a 32 percent increase with our previous insurer, the Dirigo Health Agency (DHA) offered a very competitive premium rate and benefits package," said Don Kniseley of Tedford Housing.  "Some of our entry level staff were also able to obtain more affordable rates through discounts offered with DirigoChoice."

Tedford Housing is not alone.  In fact over 580 Maine businesses are enrolled in either the DirigoChoice or Voucher Programs.  That number does not include sole proprietorship businesses.  Nearly 15,000 Mainers receive their insurance coverage through DHA.  The DHA remains a viable option for insurance coverage, despite proposed budget cuts to the agency by Governor Paul LePage.  

Health Insurance Broker Roberta Lane said that she addresses the concerns about DHA and Dirigo Choice by explaining that, "even with the Governor's proposed budget cuts, the Governor has indicated that DHA will continue to operate. Those who are currently enrolled, or who will be enrolled in the future, will continue to be offered coverage in the Dirigo programs. It's not just going to be 'shut down' and disappear in a few months," said Lane.

The agency has also been discussed as a possibility to operate the state insurance exchange created by the Affordable Care Act, which would become operational in 2014.  DHA provides coverage to thousands of Mainers who would otherwise not have access to quality, affordable health care.  Many of these people are hard-working Mainers struggling to provide for themselves and their families, and would be affected if the proposed budget passes. 

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