Expanding MaineCare to noncitizens will add to the MaineCare Shortfall

Democrats are already planning to raise taxes after leaving MaineCare underfunded by $122 million

Augusta – Ranking Republican appropriators, Sen. Sue Bernard, R – Aroostook, and Rep. John “Jack” Ducharme, R – Madison, expressed opposition to a Democrat proposal to expand MaineCare eligibility. LD 782, “An Act to Amend MaineCare Financial Eligibility Requirements” received a public hearing today before the Health and Human Services Committee. The bill proposes to expand MaineCare eligibility, even though Democrats just passed a majority, two-year budget that underfunds MaineCare by $122 million.

“MaineCare is already collapsing under its own weight. It is beyond irresponsible to attempt to grow this already unsustainable program,” said Senate Republican Leader Trey Stewart, R – Aroostook. “The Democrat majority seems hell-bent on continuing to throw gas on the fire that is the MaineCare budget crisis.”

“Expanding MaineCare to noncitizens when current state obligations are not even funded is irresponsible,” said House Republican Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham. “It will hurt the people who truly depend on MaineCare. Many Mainers can barely make it to their next paycheck. It’s time to put those people first.”

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