Maine Gov. LePage Issues Statement on Effort to Repeal, Replace ObamaCare

AUGUSTA, Maine, June 28 -- Gov. Paul LePage, R-Maine, issued the following statement about Republican efforts in Washington, D.C., to enact health care reform:

"I fully support the President's efforts to repeal and replace ObamaCare, which has been disastrous for our nation, with real reform that lowers costs and provides the American people with high-quality health care," Governor LePage said. "If the Senate's version of the health care bill includes a couple of improvements, I would be glad to endorse it. First, Medicaid expansion should be frozen. If states have not already expanded Medicaid, they should not be allowed to. As Maine's experience has already proven, Medicaid expansion is ruinous to a state's fiscal health. Second, invisible risk pools must be included as a way to reduce premiums and increase access to health insurance. This reform has the potential to drive affordable health insurance for the entire nation."

Governor LePage met this morning with U.S. Senator Susan Collins in Washington, D.C. to discuss his concerns with the Senate's proposal for health care reform. His concerns are outlined in the attached letter to Senator Collins. The Governor also sent a letter to Senator Angus King.

"Rather than seeking a starring role in Washington's latest hyper-partisan drama, Senator King should focus his efforts on doing what is right for the Maine people he was elected to represent," said Governor LePage. "So-called 'scandals' concocted by Washington politicians come and go, but reforming health care is vital for the lifelong health and well-being of Mainers."