Maine U.S. Senator Angus King is asking Maine residents to comment on potential federal cuts to the state’s Medicaid – MaineCare – program and its exchange – CoverME – where people can sign up for health care coverage.
King is inviting the public to contact his office to offer their comments, as he’s come out in strong opposition to the spending plan running through Congress known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”
The Senate version of the bill cuts Medicaid by nearly $900 billion, which has drawn criticism from a few Republicans who are otherwise supporting the plan.
The bill is backed by President Trump, and the White House has set a deadline of July 4th for it to be approved by Congress.
King was joined on a YouTube video by TV actor and Maine native Patrick Dempsey in asking for comments.
“I grew up in Maine and I care very deeply about the health and wellness of our fellow Mainers and also Americans in general, but if this bill goes through, those two things will be lost, but we can do something about it. Use your voice, call your Senator,” Dempsey said.
Senator King also made a pitch in the video.
“As you’ve probably heard, there’s a terrible bill that’s now coming up in the Senate, probably this week, that’s going to have a severe impact on Maine, particularly people who receive Medicaid and hospitals who depend upon Medicaid reimbursement,” King said in a statement Wednesday.