By Rep. Robert Saucier
(D-Presque Isle)
Maine’s veterans deserve not just words of gratitude but real action that shows how much we value their service. Access to affordable health care is the least we can do for those who have defended our country. I spent four years of my life serving active duty in the United States Air Force and 24 years with the Maine Army National Guard as an enlisted soldier and officer. I developed friendships with many dedicated people who fought hard to defend our country. That is why I find it so important that we ensure that Maine’s veterans have access to affordable health care.
Earlier this year, Gov. Paul LePage vetoed legislation that would have accepted federal funds to expand access to coverage for thousands of Mainers across the state. As result, nearly 3,000 Maine veterans will be denied coverage. Accepting federal dollars for health care expansion will ensure our veterans are protected, just like they protected us in service to our country.
Last session, the Legislature voted to expand health care coverage to nearly 70,000 Mainers, including those 3,000 veterans. When the governor vetoed that bill, he denied health care coverage to the men and women who put their lives on the line to serve and protect our country.
Many believe that all veterans receive comprehensive health care coverage offered through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Unfortunately, it is not that simple.
There are a number of factors used to determine whether a veteran’s is eligible for VA health services. Aspects such as active duty status, income levels and whether a disability is related to the veteran’s service are all a part of the formula. It becomes even more complex when determining the priority in which veterans receive their services.
There are about 1.3 million uninsured veterans in the United States. A study by the Urban Institute estimates that half of those uninsured veterans would benefit from the health care expansion available through the Affordable Care Act.
Here in Maine, even veterans who could receive benefits through the VA would benefit from expanded health care coverage. In a state as large as Maine, so many veterans have to travel great distances just to receive basic services.
Accepting the federal money would benefit not only Maine’s veterans but also bring money into the state.
Under the Affordable Care Act, the federal government has pledged to pay 100 percent of the costs of health care for tens of thousands of Mainers for three years and then gradually lower its payment to no less than 90 percent of the cost by 2020.
Because of the governor’s veto, the state of Maine is losing out on $700,000 per day in federal health care dollars.
In Aroostook County, the federal offer would benefit many. It would inject an estimated $24.3 million annually into the county’s economy and create 280 local jobs. Insurance would be available to 4,615 Aroostook residents, according to an analysis by the Maine Center for Economic Policy.
The non-partisan Kaiser Foundation and the conservative Heritage Foundation show that Maine would save $690 million over the course of a decade if the governor accepts the federal money. Maine is one of 10 states that will see Medicaid expenditures go down over 10 years.
Our service members and veterans deserve our deepest appreciation for their sacrifices. It is our duty to honor them any way we can. By covering Maine’s 3,000 uninsured veterans, we would be demonstrating our deep appreciation for the protection they gave to our country.
Rep. Saucier can be reached at 227-1160 or via e-mail at saucierforpi@gmail.com.
