PORTLAND, Maine (AP) -- Gov. Paul LePage has called for steep cuts to the state's Medicaid program. He says the state spends far more per capita than others on Medicaid and far above the national average.
Whether you support or oppose LePage's proposals, he's right.
Federal statistics show Maine had the nation's fifth-highest Medicaid coverage rate in fiscal year 2009 at nearly 28 percent. Its Medicaid spending per resident is 61 percent above the national average.
The growth in Maine's Medicaid spending is the result of deliberate steps by legislators to increase health coverage across population groups.
Chris Hastedt of Maine Equal Justice Partners says expanded Medicaid coverage is one reason why Maine has low rates of uninsured residents and gets high health rankings.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)