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Mitchell Highlights Health Care Reform’s Benefits for Maine

April 1, 2010

Senator Mitchell lauds President Obama for his leadership on the eve of his visit to Maine

AUGUSTA – Senate President and Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Libby Mitchell (D-Kennebec) highlighted health care reform’s benefits for Maine and praised President Barack Obama’s leadership on the issue, on the eve of the President’s April 1st visit to Maine.

“I applaud President Obama for his leadership in passing this historic health care reform law,” said Mitchell. “The law expands many of the protections Maine has led the way on to the entire country.”

Senator Mitchell has led the way on health care reforms in Maine that are similar to the provisions in the Federal law. For example:

  • In Maine, insurance companies are not allowed to deny consumers coverage due to pre-existing conditions. The national reforms extend these protections.
  • Since 2007, Maine has allowed young adults to remain on dependent health care plans up to the age of 25. The national reforms extend the maximum age to 26.
  • The Maine Legislature just passed a bill to prevent insurers from imposing annual and lifetime caps on benefits. The national reforms prohibit lifetime caps.

Senator Mitchell continued, “The reforms Congress passed will strengthen the reform work Maine has been a national leader on. I am proud to stand with President Obama in support of these reforms, and as Governor I will work with leaders across the state and the nation to make sure they are implemented as effectively and as efficiently as possible.”

The national reforms will also reduce Maine’s family health insurance premiums by $1,730-$2,474 according to data from DHHS.

Senator Mitchell is the only woman in the country to have served both as President of the Senate and Speaker of the House. Former President Bill Clinton recently endorsed her candidacy, citing her record of accomplishments. She will be attending President Obama’s event in Maine on Thursday afternoon.