AUGUSTA, ME –Maine’s Dirigo Health Association has estimated savings of $190.2 million in 2007 – but associations around the state are disputing the DHA’s healthcare premium tax and the justification for it.
“It may that the number has been inflated due, in part, to the fact that the ‘savings’ have been reduced so dramatically in years past,” said Kristine Ossenfort, senior governmental affairs specialist for the Maine State Chamber of Commerce. “In addition, the Savings Offset Payment has proven to be insufficient to fund the Dirigo Health program to date, and it is possible that the savings have been inflated to generate more revenue for the program.”
“There is a new superintendent of insurance and they may be hoping for a more sympathetic decision at that level,” she added.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Consumers for Affordable Health Care Coalition, the Maine Association of Health Plans, the Maine Automobile Dealers Association Insurance Trust, and the Maine State Chamber of Commerce have filed applications to intervene.