The Maine House has given strong initial endorsement to a bill that would put an end to lifetime and annual payment caps on health insurance plans in Maine.
Supporters of the bill testified last month that the caps are driving people into bankruptcy and leaving them without coverage when they need it most. But opponents, including Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Maine, said the measure will lead to premium hikes.
But House members today sided with supporters by a vote of 99 to 38. Insurance reformers say they're "thrilled" by the vote. "To see Maine once again lead the nation with its protections for our people, is so exciting," says Joe Ditre, executive director of Consumers for Affordable Health Care in a statement. "We don't need to wait years for proposed federal reforms to go into effect to protect Maine families and businesses."
LD 1620 is sponsored by House Majority Whip Seth Berry, a Bowdoinham Democrat. The measure faces further votes in the House and Senate.