Maine voters approve Medicaid expansion; Ohio drug pricing measure rejected

Nov 08, 2017 - 10:06 AM

Voters in Maine yesterday approved a ballot measure that would allow at least 80,000 low-income Maine residents to qualify for Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Maine will be the 33rd state (including D.C.) to expand the program under the ACA. It also is the first state in which voters, not governors or legislators, decided the issue. Under the expansion, Maine will be able to provide Medicaid health care coverage for qualified adults under age 65 with incomes at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. “Hospitals are very pleased that Maine voters overwhelmingly endorsed expanding Medicaid coverage to thousands of our citizens,” said Steven Michaud, president of the Maine Hospital Association. “It’s good for patients, providers and the Maine economy.” Maine Gov. Paul LePage said today he won’t implement the expansion until the state legislature determines how to fund the state’s share of the cost. Yesterday, voters in Ohio rejected a proposal that would have required that state agencies purchase prescription drugs at prices no higher than prices paid by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which usually gets the lowest prices on medicines.

Related News Articles

Headline
HHS clarifies when state Medicaid agencies can use patient SUD records to verify exemption from community engagement requirements
The Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights released new guidance on statutory and regulatory requirements under 42 CFR Part 2, which…
Headline
CMS launches outcomes-driven quality measurement initiative for states 
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Sept. 25 announced the launch of a new initiative measuring quality in Medicaid and the Children’s Health…
Headline
AHA recommends changes to CMS’ Medicaid provider tax proposed rule
The AHA commented Sept. 21 on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ proposed rule to implement the changes to Medicaid provider tax policies that…
Headline
AHA requests CMS reconsider provisions within Medicaid community engagement rule
The AHA July 31 provided comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on its interim final rule on Medicaid community engagement requirements.…
Headline
CMS issues proposed provider tax rule
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services today released a proposed rule that would update Medicaid provider tax policies included in the July 2025…
Headline
AHA comments to CMS on proposed rule covering Medicaid supplemental payments
The AHA provided comments July 21 to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on its proposed rule to modify policies governing Medicaid…