News

Senate Republicans reject compromise bill to fund MaineCare in 22-10 vote

Senate Republicans reject compromise bill to fund MaineCare in 22-10 vote

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


A spending bill that would fill a $118 million gap in MaineCare funding fell two votes shy of passage in the Maine Senate on Thursday.

Senate Republicans rejected a compromise bill after lawmakers missed a Tuesday deadline to pass the bill as an emergency measure and avoid a reduction in MaineCare payments to healthcare providers that went into effect on Wednesday.

Republican are calling for more changes to make MaineCare more financially sustainable.

Speaking on the Senate floor Thursday, Republican Sen. Matt Harrington of York said the party won’t approve the budget without concessions from Democrats to “fix the underlying problem.”

Senate President Mattie Daughtry says she’s deeply concerned about the lack of progress and the fate of healthcare providers that rely on MaineCare reimbursements.

As of Wednesday, hospitals started receiving only 70 percent of the reimbursements that they’re owed under MaineCare.

Without an agreement on Thursday, lawmakers will have to vote on a new bill.

Latest Headlines

5 hours ago in Local

Bangor Swears in New City Councilor Who Went to Prison for Manslaughter

The election of Angela Walker sparked outrage on conservative social media and concern from some Maine Republicans.

8 hours ago in Local

Platner Calls for Replacement of Democratic Leader After Senate Shutdown Vote

Schumer and most Democrats voted against the early Republican proposal to move toward ending the shutdown

9 hours ago in Local

Jury Deliberating in Knox County Manslaughter Case

Updated

Closing arguments took place on Monday, followed by jury deliberation.

10 hours ago in Local

Layoffs anticipated as part of partnership between Knox County and Two Bridges Jail

Knox County Jail will lay off some staff and no longer house long-term prisoners as the county deals with financial issues.

12 hours ago in Local

Police seek 2 men wanted in ATM jackpotting scheme in Maine

Police in Lincoln County are searching for two suspects wanted for taking money from ATMs back in February.