Maine Women's Lobby Blog » Heath Care Reform

Diri-gone?

admin — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 15:29:29 +0000

Last week, the morning after the election, I made a commitment to you. (You can read it – along with all of the year’s messages – here). I said that together we’ll work to be sure the new Governor and legislature preserve critical protections for Maine women and tackle the challenges that face Maine families.

This week, a spokesman for Governor-elect LePage’s campaign quipped that the state insurance program, Dirigo would be “diri-gone.” (Translation: health insurance for over 14,000 Mainers is on the chopping block).

Maine is facing a projected shortfall of over $1 billion. Virtually every state program appears to be in jeopardy. Will there be shared sacrifice? Or flippant dismissal?

Will the cuts be borne by those least equipped to absorb them—such as the sick, the poor, and those facing domestic violence or job insecurity?

The Maine Women’s Lobby will be at the table for every stage of the budget process. Working with powerful coalitions, we will speak in a unified voice for a balanced approach that maintains the most critical protections for women and the families they support.

We can’t do it without you. Support the Maine Women’s Lobby with your membership gift right now.

Calling all tweeters!

The vote for the Paycheck Fairness Act is fast approaching. In fact, we’re expecting a vote on this important bill next week – and without the Support of Senator Snowe and Senator Collins, we could end up just a few votes short of finally securing fair pay for women.

Please sign the Paycheck Fairness petitions right now – and start promoting them in the twitter-sphere. The two petition URLs are:

Sen. Collins: http://act.ly/2mc
Sen. Snowe: http://act.ly/2md

When you sign the petition there will be a form tweet sent for you, but, if you want to switch it up a little, here are some other options:

Time’s running out & women deserve #fairpay! Petition Sen Collins to support Paycheck Fairness Act: http://act.ly/2mc. Plz RT via @FairPayNow.
Help us pass Paycheck Fairness! Petition Sen Collins http://act.ly/2mc & Sen Snowe http://act.ly/2md for support!
The Senators from #ME need to hear from you about #fairpay: Sign petition to Sen Collins http://act.ly/2mc & Sen Snowe http://act.ly/2md

Not a tweeter?

Stay tuned, we’ll have a facebook action on Monday, November 15th and a call-in day on Tuesday, November 16th.

Good thing # 2.It states the obvious by recognizing maternity coverage as an essential health benefit.

asheldon — Fri, 21 May 2010 14:06:59 +0000

Shocking but true. Maternity health was not previously required of providers, so individual health care plan could deny coverage for Maternity health or charge more! With the new law requires health plans to cover maternity care as well as prescription drugs (which should include contraceptive drugs and devices)! This goes for gynecological visits as well, as all plans are prohibited from requiring authorization or prior approval.

Unfortunately, abortion care, essential for women’s reproductive health and freedom, is treated differently than other health services. Anyone who purchases health care through an exchange must make two separate payments for abortion coverage. The potential scary effect of this policy could be that it would deter individuals from purchasing abortion plans, or discourage plans from covering abortion services. CLICK HERE FOR # 3>>

Good thing # 3. More, More, More!…More coverage for more women.

asheldon — Fri, 21 May 2010 14:06:20 +0000

Once this new law is implemented, 4.5 million women will be newly eligible for coverage through medicaid and approximately 11 million women will receive health insurance subsides! Additionally, women are more likely than men to work for small businesses that don’t offer health insurance, but new tax credits will make it easier for small businesses to provide coverage.

for sources or additional information, click here.

Resturant Workers Need Paid Sick Days

asheldon — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:27:45 +0000

February 9th, 2010- The The Restaurant Opportunity Center of Maine held a panel discussion on the findings of their new report: Behind the Kitchen Door: Low Road Jobs, High Road Opportunities in Maine’s Growing Restaurant Industry. Sarah was a panelist along with Professor David Wagner of USM, Blanca Santiago of El Centro Latino Maine, Caitlin McNally- a former employee for the front room, and restaurant worker Warren Hyman. The Panelists spoke on the state of the restaurant industry in Maine, and its implications on the state’s economic development, public health and working conditions. All panelists agreed: the restaurant industry should take the high road and provide livable wages, paid sick days and health insurance to their employees: it pays off in the long run, and is just the right thing to do. With 82.9% workers without paid sick days, it is clear we need real reform.

Watch the channel 6 coverage here (including a great quote from Sarah)

Denied: Women's Health

sstandiford — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:23:37 +0000

An Outrage. While we’re pleased that the health care reform bill finally passed in the U.S. House of Representatives last night, women’s health took a giant step backwards at the same time. An amendment by Rep. Stupak to the health care bill eliminates access to abortion in the so called “public option” health plan AND in subsidized private insurance plans. If this amendment stands, women would lose access to the services they have today. Congresswoman Chellie Pingree voted against the amendment, while Congressman Michael Michaud voted for it. Read a statement by Cecile Richards of Planned Parenthood here. The bottom line? Women must not be second-class citizens in the new health care system. Please e-mail Congressman Michaud here to express your disappointment, and send Congresswoman Pingree a note of thanks.

Now, the debate moves to the Senate. Stay tuned….

Great Day for Maine

lharper — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:21:58 +0000

We seriously have witnessed some amazing history today and it is a testament to the determination and commitment of the people of Maine that Senator Snowe has broken from her caucus and boldly stepped forward with her vote for this bill. We will never know which of the thousands of calls, emails, letters and meetings, anecdotes, or chance encounters with Maine people convinced her finally, but I know that our collective work contributed to this moment.

There’s so much more to do, however, before we have true health care reform. As Senator Snowe said, we should be worried that the final package would force people to buy insurance that remains beyond their means. But this is a critical first step and we have much to be proud of. In particular, I’m proud of the vast the coalition that has worked for this vote, and most of all, proud of my republican senator. It takes moxie, Ms. Snowe!

Maine Women's Lobby Co-hosts Roundtable Discussion with Secretary Sebelius

admin — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:53:46 +0000

MAINE WOMEN TO SECRETARY SEBELIUS: HEALTH SYSTEM IS FAILING US
Congresswoman Pingree hears health care stories; says current system unacceptable

No one knows better about how the health care system is failing than the women-young and old-who met with U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, Kathleen Sebelius today in South Portland. The Maine Women’s Lobby and AARP brought together the group of women leaders to discuss why women’s health issues are critical in the national health care reform debate. Congresswoman Chellie Pingree also participated, providing Maine women a chance to tell their stories about how health care issues affect them and their families and why reform must happen this year. Read more…

Congresswoman Pingree, Sarah Standiford, Nancy Kelleher with Secretary Sebelius

Maine Women Leaders Join the Discussion

Check out some of the press from the event:

New York Times and photo