Nearly a third of Mainers — about 400,000 — rely on MaineCare, the state’s version of Medicaid. This could change under the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” that was signed into law Friday by President Donald Trump. The legislation is poised to slash funding for Medicaid nationally by nearly $1 trillion over the next 10 years.
This legislation includes work requirements for Medicaid recipients, which the state Department of Health and Human Services has estimated would result in 31,000 Mainers losing their coverage within the first year.
As it stands, the legislation would require childless adults without disabilities who want Medicaid coverage to prove that they had worked, volunteered or attended school for 80 hours in the month before enrollment. It would also require people to prove they are eligible for the program twice a year instead of annually.
Sen. Susan Collins was one of only three Senate Republicans to vote against the legislation, joining all Democrats in the Senate. Collins said she supported the tax cuts in the bill, but said a dramatic reduction in Medicaid funding would harm health care access in the state and threaten the existence of several rural hospitals.
“My vote against this bill stems primarily from the harmful impact it will have on Medicaid, affecting low-income families and rural health care providers like our hospitals and nursing homes,” she said in a statement.
The Maine Monitor is interested in hearing from people who rely on MaineCare. If you have concerns about how the funding cuts could impact your coverage or that of your family, please fill out our survey below or reach out to Maine Monitor reporter Rose Lundy at gro.r1752306127otino1752306127menia1752306127meht@1752306127esor1752306127.