| By Ramona du Houx Back when Governor Baldacci was a U.S. congressman he cosponsored a
bill that would have authorized coverage for periodic health examinations under Medicare.
These yearly exams prevent illnesses and deaths. They go a long way to keeping people
healthy, but most insurance policies don’t cover them. When John Baldacci became
governor, a priority of his was to create a health-care system for all of Maine.
Affordable quality health insurance is now available with Dirigo Health, and yearly
physicals are a part of the insurance package.
When the governor has a good idea, he
doesn’t let it go. He finds a way to make it happen.
Preventative care is a major focus of the
Dirigo Health. The governor has committed time and resources to communities across the
state, promoting preventative health-care measures.
"I believe that’s how you
make lifestyle changes," said Governor Baldacci. "To prevent health problems and
create healthier communities, Maine’s citizens must be encouraged to stay physically
active and to keep a healthy diet. Since coming into office in 2003 it has been my goal to
see Maine become the healthiest state in the nation."
Last April the Governor’s Council on
Physical Fitness, Sports, Health and Wellness won the Gold Star Award for Council of the
Year from the National Association on Health and Fitness.
"This council has worked hard to
educate Maine citizens about their health through exercise and information programs and by
providing necessary resources for disease prevention," said Baldacci.
The award is given to a state council that
has shown exceptional leadership, program development, and is actively promoting health
and fitness. Each year, the state chosen becomes a model for other states.
Under Maine’s council various programs
have been created to help Mainers become healthier. The pedometer program, Maine in
Motion, is a prime example. Launched in the autumn of 2004 the pedometer program promotes
walking for fitness. Participants set goals to walk more and more each day, ultimately to
take 10,000 steps per day. The governor and his cabinet participated in the pedometer
program. Schools and local businesses throughout the state have taken part, reporting
weight loss combined with increased muscle strength for participants. "It’s been
a tremendous success," said Dr. Erik Steele, head of the council.
This July the state was awarded a $93,000
grant from the National Governors’ Association to develop and implement a worksite
wellness program for small businesses.
"One of the best ways to promote the
health and wellness of Maine people is to do it in the workplace. A priority of my
administration is helping Maine businesses — of which 96 percent are small and micro
establishments — gain access to quality health care. We’ve made great strides
with Dirigo Health to increase access to coverage, and this wellness program will improve
on what we’ve accomplished so far."
The governor believes the people of Maine
deserve a quality affordable health-care system, not only for our health but for the
health of Maine’s economy.
Personal incomes are on the rise in Maine,
but many people have been stymied by the continual increase of health insurance costs.
However, businesses with DirigoChoice are praising the fact that it is saving them money
in comparison to their previous insurance coverage.
For the first time, many of the 2,300
businesses with DirigoChoice can finally afford to insure their workers.
"It’s been easier to hire new
people. We don’t have to worry about the cost of expanding the crew with Dirigo,
which makes it easier to take on bigger jobs," said co-owner and bookkeeper Judy
Robbins of Steppingstones Home Builders. "We were able to cover seven people in 2006
for about what it used to cost to cover four people. We’re really pleased with the
cost and the fact that we can offer it to more employees."
"We believe in hard work," said
Jean Castonguay, owner of an excavation business. "It’s a family business and I
want to do what’s right for my family and employees. The cost savings have been
significant, as well as what the program offers. We’re getting more bang for our
buck."
Not only does Dirigo Health help save
customers costs, it saves Maine’s health-care system funds.
In July the Bureau of Insurance
Superintendent Alessandro Iuppa declared that there were $34.3 million in savings, this
year, attributed to Dirigo Health.
"This independent assessment by the
Bureau of Insurance attests that Dirigo Health is working," said Governor Baldacci.
"In two years, Dirigo has saved the health-care system more than $78 million."
The governor stressed the importance of
bringing health-care savings to Maine so that all Maine people have access to affordable
health care.
"We are working with Anthem to develop
a lower cost product to meet the needs of more hard working Maine families," said the
governor. "Additionally, I created the Blue Ribbon Commission to build on the
foundation of Dirigo. The commission will propose options to ensure Dirigo can continue to
reach more of Maine’s uninsured and underinsured. Maine is one of seven states in the
country that saw a decrease in the rate of uninsured."
"As long as Governor Baldacci remains
governor, we will move Dirigo forward," stated Joe Ditre, a member of the Commission
and former director of Consumers for Affordable Health Care.
The governor said he will continue to fight for affordable,
quality health care for all Maine people.
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