Vital Signs newsletter: MaineCare backlogged with applications

Maine refused to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, but the program for low-income residents is growing anyway. Thousands of Mainers who were eligible all along but never signed up are now seeking coverage, amid publicity about new, more affordable health insurance options and the requirement that most Americans get insurance or pay a penalty. But thousands of applicants remain in limbo, waiting to find out if they’re eligible as the state blames the federal government for technical problems fueling the backlog.

Thousands stuck in MaineCare application backlog

 

Other top health stories this week:

VA audit: 100,000 veterans endure long waits before receiving medical care

Maine’s VA hospital outperformed many of its counterparts in other states, though hundreds of veterans waited more than a month for an appointment.

EMHS boss says patients need to be ‘partner in their own care’ to lower costs

Hospitals need to stop discharging patients and leaving them alone, and instead help them be a “partner in their own care,” Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems President and CEO Michelle Hood told the hospital network’s corporators.

 

From our bloggers

Jackie Conn, Sooner or Lighter

I Was Fat-Shamed at Gorham House of Pizza!

It didn’t wreck my day. It sure didn’t make me cry or ask myself, “what’s wrong with me?” It pissed me off.

Jim LaPierre, Recovery Rocks

The View from my Hospital Bed

I’m on day 23 inpatient at EMMC for an injury I sustained over 20 years ago. I’ve learned to embrace the adage, “Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.”

From the source

Opening your camp for the summer? The U.S. CDC offers these tips on avoiding hazards that could make you sick, like rodent poo! And bats!

 

Jackie Farwell

About Jackie Farwell

I'm the health editor for the Bangor Daily News, a Bangor native, a UMaine grad, and a weekend crossword warrior. I never get sick of writing about Maine people, geeking out over health care data, and finding new ways to help you stay well. I live in Gorham with my husband Nick and our hound dog Riley.