What is the bill

LD 199 would have closed a discriminatory loophole in MaineCare that excludes many Mainers with low incomes, based on their immigration status.

Why it matters

All Mainers - no matter where we come from - need affordable health care. But thanks to a LePage-era rule change excluding them, many Mainers are unable to access MaineCare due to their immigration status and must choose between their health and other basic needs like food and shelter. LD 199 would have ensured that our friends, family, and neighbors who are immigrants with low incomes could visit the doctor or fill a prescription when they’re sick, with no exceptions or exclusions.

What happened

Speaker Rachel Talbot-Ross has for years led the charge to restore health care access to eligible Mainers, introducing the bill once again this session. This year, the bill died after passing the Senate but not the House,. Advocates have pledged to continue the fight.

Scored Roll Call

House Roll Call #337. Senate Roll Call #477. House voted to pass a version of the bill that changed the start date. The Senate voted to insist on their earlier vote not to pass the bill.