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Maine lawmakers make another push to pass measure that would fill MaineCare funding shortfall

Maine lawmakers make another push to pass measure that would fill MaineCare funding shortfall

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


Democrats in Augusta say they’ll move forward on a plan to fund MaineCare, with or without support from Republicans.

It comes after two failed votes this past week to pass an emergency bill that would fill a $118 million gap in funding for the program.

According to the Portland Press Herald, Democrats in the Maine House and Senate said Friday they plan to bring forward a continuing services budget that includes MaineCare funding and funds for other core government functions for the next two-year budget cycle.

Republicans have demanded structural reforms to MaineCare before they approve a spending plan.

The plan proposed Friday would be enacted immediately if it receives two-thirds majority support, but it’s more likely to see a simple majority, which means payments to hospitals would start going out in full again on July 1.

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