With DHHS still evaluating the program after six weeks, the companies hired to coordinate rides say service is better. Yet phone calls placed by Rep. Matthew Peterson suggest otherwise.
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.
LePage apologizes to Republicans for Obama controversy
He says the president doesn’t hate white people, but doesn’t deny making the remark.
LogistiCare blames missed rides on driver protest
Atlanta-based LogistiCare says a driver protest is a major reason why patients were missing rides from the MaineCare transportation program.
MaineCare ride system favors certain patients
Because drivers can earn mileage for several at once, methadone patients almost always get rides.
MaineCare ride provider has history of problems
The contractor hired to coordinate rides for Maine Medicaid recipients was forced to drop a contract in Wisconsin.
MaineCare ride complaint reports fail to add up
The state questions totals reported by companies running the system.
Legislators push for quick solution on rides for Maine’s poor
A lawmaker who has received some of the 2,000-plus complaint calls says they are ‘heartbreaking.’
Expert: Mess with Maine Medicaid rides was avoidable
A Washington-based expert on Medicaid says that federal rules would not have forced the program overhaul that has kept some poor Mainers from getting rides to health care appointments.
Fatal Windham fire deemed accidental
Parker Blanchard, 25, is declared dead in his third-floor apartment while other tenants escape.
MaineCare contractors must follow strict rules
Those who provide rides have to track complaints and limit them to one percent of their clients or less.