The state’s high opt-out rate alarms those who rely on ‘herd immunity’ just to stay healthy, giving heft to a flurry of bills before the Legislature this week.
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, News, Politics
Bill calls for state-based exchange to protect Mainers insured under Affordable Care Act
The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule this summer on whether residents of some states, including Maine, are eligible for subsidies.
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Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Some smokers facing high surcharge on health plans
Gov. LePage’s veto of a 20-percent cap survives an attempted override by the House.
Posted inFood, Local & State, News, Schools and Education
Maine finding the recipe for healthier school lunches
The ingredients are incentives, ideas and collaboration, say officials with a program that has helped the state perform far above the national average.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Maine Med seeks way forward with woman’s kidney transplant
As the hospital works with legal experts on the fundraising ethical issue, the patient learns that surgery is out until she’s healthier.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Activists urge expanded access to opiates antidote in Maine
Rep. Henry Beck’s bill would allow friends of addicts to be prescribed or administer Narcan.
Posted inBusiness, News
Maine could need 20 more restaurant inspectors, CDC director says
As the state faces a backlog of 1,400 overdue inspections, a legislative panel hears testimony on a bill to conduct them on a yearly basis.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Critics say cuts erode Maine’s public health system
More than half of the 44 positions slashed from Maine’s Center for Disease Control were federally funded, they say, needlessly leaving the state vulnerable. CDC officials argue the money’s not lost.
Posted inLocal & State, News
‘Moment of truth’ lung scan lights up incentive to quit
Now covered by Medicare, the preventive procedure – coupled with smoking cessation efforts – expands at Mercy and other Maine hospitals.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Facing shortage, Maine DHHS calls on families to take in foster kids
The agency needs 100 families willing to care for older children, reflecting a surge in their numbers since 2012 possibly tied to a shift in the state’s remove-from-homes policy.