AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) - A group of Republicans wants Maine Secretary of State Matt Dunlap to strike the word “insurance” from a November ballot question asking voters to expand Medicaid under the federal Affordable Care Act.
Former Maine Republican Party Chairman Rick Bennett said the question should refer to “taxpayer-funded health benefits” or as “government-funded health benefits.”
He was joined Tuesday by several other prominent Republicans.
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Supporters say the referendum question doesn’t need to be changed. The question now reads: “Do you want Maine to provide health insurance through Medicaid for qualified adults?”
The Medicaid program provides medical care to low-income residents and people with disabilities. Expanding the program would cost about $54 million a year; supporters point out that it would draw down $525 million each year in federal matching funds.
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