Implanting the so-called Watchman doesn’t cure atrial fibrillation, but it prevents blood clots from forming.
Joe Lawlor
Staff Writer
Joe Lawlor writes about health and human services for the Press Herald. A 24-year newspaper veteran, Lawlor has worked in Ohio, Michigan and Virginia before relocating to Maine in 2013 to join the Press Herald. He is still considered “from away” but since then, he has learned what a “dooryard” is, eaten “whoopie pies” drank Moxie and boiled some “lobstahs.” The stories he enjoys most are when he learns something and meeting inspiring people.
He lives in South Portland - aka “SoPo” - with his wife, Melanie, and two school-age children.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Ricker Hamilton nominated for health and human services commissioner
Gov. LePage’s pick for the post had served as acting commissioner since Mary Mayhew resigned in June.
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Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News, Politics
Medicaid expansion – on Maine’s November ballot – divides business groups
Some see the referendum as a moral imperative that will benefit workers and, ultimately, the state’s economy, but others anticipate tax increases to cover the costs.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
State approves Maine Medical Center’s plan for $512 million expansion, renovation
The project, the most extensive in the hospital’s history, would begin in 2018 and be done in 2022.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine People’s Alliance launches in-home care referendum drive
The measure would be funded by a 1.9 percent tax on income earnings above $127,000, generating enough funding to help 30,000 Mainers.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Anthem leaving Maine’s ACA marketplace, citing uncertainty
The insurer says it will not sell individual plans in 2018 and will reduce off-marketplace health policy options.
Posted inBusiness, News, Politics
Sen. Collins’ firm ‘no’ vote likely kills Republican health care bill
She cements her opposition to the Affordable Care Act repeal after the Congressional Budget Office says it would leave millions more uninsured.
Posted inLocal & State, Nation & World, News, Politics
Sen. Collins, a pivotal vote, says she’s ‘leaning against’ Graham-Cassidy health care bill
The Republican from Maine lists serious deficiencies in her party’s latest effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Planned Parenthood, ACLU sue Maine over law allowing only doctors to perform abortions
The plaintiffs say letting nurse practitioners and others provide the service will give women easier access, in a case that could affect 41 other states with restrictions like Maine’s.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Groups that guide Mainers to ACA insurance plans avoid drastic cutbacks
Navigators for the health insurance marketplace, many housed in nonprofits, expected deeper cuts like those in other states.