Evans bill to assist uninsured residents goes into effect

AUGUSTA — A bill sponsored by Rep. Richard Evans, D-Dover-Foxcroft, that helps to aid uninsured Mainers in obtaining health insurance, will go into effect Aug. 8.

LD 1390 identifies residents that are uninsured but qualify for benefits under the MaineCare program or a qualified health plan in the insurance marketplace, with the hopes of helping them obtain health insurance. In 2021, roughly 8 percent of Mainers were uninsured. The Legislature provided $58,855 in funding toward the initiative.

“As a physician and surgeon, I believe that everybody deserves access to quality, affordable health care,” said Evans. “This bill is a step in the right direction. This will allow the state, in a proactive manner, to identify and help Mainers obtain insurance through MaineCare or another vendor while avoiding many of the problems of navigating the system that so many now face.”

Evans is a physician and surgeon and represents the communities of Atkinson, Brownville, Dover-Foxcroft, Lake View, Medford, Milo and Orneville Township in Piscataquis County. He serves on the Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee.