AUGUSTA, Maine - A Democrat's bill would create a new health care system for Maine residents. The Legislature referred Sen. Geoff Gratwick's bill Wednesday to its Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services committee.Gratwick served on a task force last year tasked with creating plans to provide health coverage for all Maine residents. The committee released a report urging improved oversight over pharmacy benefit managers and prescription drug costs.
Gratwick's bill would rely on funding sources from payroll taxes, transaction taxes and other available federal funding. All Mainers could enroll on a voluntary basis for a benefit plan covering essential health benefits. Medicaid recipients would be automatically enrolled.
But more details about the bill, which is in concept form, are likely to be hashed out in legislative committee if the legislation moves forward.