December 9, 2020
How did we get here? A brief history of healthcare and formation of ACA
This is the second in a series of brief articles by members of the Southern Maine Workers Center’s Health Care is a Human Right Committee. We have covered current challenges to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the ACA in the broader context of American health care history, and will soon cover how successful or not…
Read MoreNovember 23, 2020
What’s Going On with the Affordable Care Act?
The Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as Obamacare, is back in the Supreme Court this year and the court heard oral arguments last Tuesday, November 10. The case, California V Texas, is challenging the constitutionality of the law’s “individual mandate” that requires everyone purchase health insurance or pay a penalty. The case will likely be decided in June. In this short article, we will explore the legal challenge and it’s potential outcome and consequences.
Read MoreAugust 22, 2020
MaineCare Eligibility and Services
Are you confused about how to get health insurance and what it will pay for? You’re not alone. Maine Equal Justice can help navigate MaineCare eligibility and services. MaineCare is Maine’s name for Medicaid, a program that provides health insurance for low-income people. To get any kind of MaineCare you have to show that your…
Read MoreAugust 22, 2020
Consumers for Affordable Health Care Support Hotline
Do you need help with…Finding health coverage you can afford? Understanding your options in the Health Insurance Marketplace? Enrolling in MaineCare? Understanding your health coverage? Filing an appeal or complaint? Finding programs to help with health care and drug costs?
Read MoreAugust 22, 2020
Information on your health care options if you’ve lost your job
Mainers who are worried about losing health insurance or having a hard time paying monthly premiums may have options including Marketplace coverage and MaineCare.
Read MoreJune 29th, 2020
Healthcare for All: Now More than Ever – Panel & Discussion
This event will take place on June 29th, 2020 from 5:30-7:00pm over Zoom. Please register at the link below. Over 500 people and 30 organizations joined our call to Governor Janet Mills to implement universal healthcare and protect the rights of essential workers during the Covid-19 pandemic. We brought our demands to the Blaine House in…
Read MoreMay 7th, 2020
Southern Maine Workers’ Center delivers letter to Gov. Mills, calling for more health care coverage during COVID-19 crisis.
On Thursday, May 7th at 11am, the Southern Maine Workers’ Center will make a symbolic delivery of a letter to Gov. Mills calling on her to take action to provide more people with health care coverage during the COVID-19 crisis.
Read MoreApril 30, 2020
If I need to be tested for the Coronavirus, will I have to pay a deductible or coinsurance?
No. The Families First Act requires group health plans and insurers, including self-insurers, Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal health programs, to pay the full cost of any tests for the Coronavirus. DISCLAIMER: This FAQ Sheet is intended to provide accurate, general background information regarding legal rights relating to employment in Maine. It is not legal…
Read MoreApril 27, 2020
Sign The Petition – Tell Gov. Mills: during this pandemic, we need universal healthcare!
Please sign the petition here: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/tell-gov-mills-during-this-pandemic-we-need-universal-healthcare Gov. Mills must utilize every resource available to address the healthcare needs of all Mainers amid the COVID-19 pandemic which has initiated a public health and economic crisis unprecedented in our lifetimes. Important steps have been taken by Gov. Mills to respond to our circumstances, the situation however, is…
Read MoreMarch 31, 2020
Solidarity is Always the Answer: Demands for Human Rights in the Time of COVID-19
Our conditions are changing rapidly. We published this response on March 31st, 2020. We will continue to update our members as our positions evolve in response to the rapidly evolving crisis. Our people are in crisis, facing loss of income, eviction, debt and dangerous work conditions. Workers who are told they are “essential” are being…
Read MoreMarch 5, 2020
Folks rally at the State House for lawmakers to support expanded dental care
A few dozen folks rallied at the State House Thursday advocating for a bill that would give more Mainers access to dental care. It would allow people who make under $17,000 a year to get basic dental prevention and treatment. The only Medicaid dental benefit for adults in Maine is limited emergency care. Supporters say…
Read MoreMarch 5, 2020
Sharing stories of pain and stigma, low-income Mainers call on lawmakers to pass dental bill
Dozens of working-class Mainers rallied at the State House on Thursday to demand their legislators vote to support a bill to guarantee comprehensive dental coverage for low-income adults through MaineCare, Maine’s Medicaid program. LD 1955 is the second attempt to secure dental coverage for low-income adults after a similar bill, LD 1453, passed both the state House…
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