AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Democratic Secretary of State Matt Dunlap says he removed the word “insurance” from a ballot question to expand Medicaid, because some could see it as a biased term.
Mainers are set to vote on a Nov. 7 referendum question to require the state to apply for Medicaid expansion for adults under age 65 with incomes at or below 138 percent of the federal poverty line. Republican Gov. Paul LePage has repeatedly rejected Medicaid expansion.
Several Republicans criticized Dunlap’s proposed wording that called Medicaid “insurance.” LePage wants to charge Medicaid recipients premiums and co-pays.
Dunlap said his decision to instead use “healthcare coverage” does not mean Medicaid has nothing to do with insurance.
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Those who qualify for MaineCare include 19- and 20-year-olds, individuals with disabilities, the elderly and certain low-income parents.