letters to the editor – MaineHealth needs to resume negotiations with Anthem

To the Editor:

In Seacoastonline's recent story, MaineHealth CEO Andy Mueller is quoted saying, "the health of the community is tied directly to the health of the economy of the community." This starkly contradicts MaineHealth's recent announcement that they will be terminating Maine Medical Center from Anthem's network.

Maine healthcare costs are among some of the highest in the nation, and a significant burden on the community. If Maine Medical Center leaves Anthem's network, this will raise healthcare costs for over 300,000 Mainers who rely on Anthem for insurance.

MaineHealth initiated this departure only after Anthem held them accountable for overbilling patients to the tune of $20 million. And, even though they agreed to a mediation process, during so they made the premature announcement that they intended to terminate this access. It begs the question of if MaineHealth truly had their patients' best interests at heart and were willing to negotiate, why would they make such an announcement in the middle of negotiations? One could wonder if they truly had any intention of negotiating in the first place.

Nevertheless, it is time for MaineHealth to set aside their differences and come back to the negotiating table with Anthem. A partnership between the state's largest hospital and the state's largest health insurance provider is critical for ensuring Mainers have access to the quality healthcare they deserve.

Jonathan Moynahan

Eliot

Kittery residents right to reject

900 units at Dennett Landing

To the Editor:

Congratulations and many thanks to the Kittery residents who blocked the Dennett Landing 900 unit residential and commercial development last week. As a South Eliot resident I frequently travel both Dennett Road and Route 236 and was not looking forward to the "nightmare" this project would bring!

Cindy L. Saklad

Eliot

Thank you for making KFL's 5K race a success

To the Editor:

Thank you for making KFL's 25th Edition 5K one of our most successful fundraisers to date!

66 area businesses sponsored the 5K and another 57 businesses and individuals provided fabulous items for our auction. This unprecedented community support, combined with our race registrations, brought in over $40,000!

The race and lawn party were so much fun, with 338 folks registering for the race and an additional 150 folks cheering on the runners and walkers. The Kennebunk River Band treated us to fabulous live music and Federal Jack's provided the snack bags and beer. It really was a party!

Everyone enjoyed the new course that featured a portion of the beautiful Hope Cemetery & Woods trail system. Participants noted how well-maintained and picturesque the trails are and appreciated being out of traffic for the majority of the course.

The Kennebunk Police Department was a dream to work with and did a fabulous job keeping everyone safe!

None of this fun would have been possible without the 75 dedicated volunteers who stepped up to help the staff bring this event to life! They hung flyers, prepped snack bags and fruit, set up tents, monitored the race course, and probably did close to a thousand other things too!

Please accept our most sincere thanks for making a difference in our community with your support of KFL and the 5K! You are a library champion!

Anita K. Randall

Development Director

Kennebunk Free Library