LaMarche Wants Universally Healthy Maine
By Deborah McDermott
Pat LaMarche said she wants to lead Maine into the kind of prosperity that derives from a universal health care plan enjoyed by virtually every other industrialized nation in the world.
There would be an incentive for people to enter into small businesses, she said, because owners would immediately have coverage. Businesses with whom she's spoken have said the plan would help retain workers, who leave because health insurance isn't offered. Moreover, businesses that insure both spouses will not be subsidizing businesses that offer no insurance. |
The Green Party candidate for governor said that from the plan, many opportunities will flow — lower property taxes, better teacher pay, small business success, to name just a few. Healthy Mainers are just the beginning.
LaMarche's proposal, which would be the first in the nation, is based on the recommendations of two Maine Blue Ribbon Commissions on Health Care, in 1995 and 2002.
"It's not my idea. It's just a great idea," she said.
Under her plan, all businesses, the state government, local municipalities and school departments will be assessed a payroll tax for all employees — including part-time, seasonal and foreign workers. The assessment is based on the number of employees from 5 percent per worker for those with under five workers, to 12 percent for those with over 100. This assessment takes the place of all health insurance expenses.
The funds would be administered by a Maine Healthcare Authority, which would pay for every Mainer's health insurance needs. There would be no copay, no deductible and no out-of-pocket expenses.
She said every business, even those that do not now offer health insurance, would fare better under her plan. For one, she said, worker compensation rates would be reduced by as much as 75 percent. "It makes no difference whether you break your arm at work or at home, you still get it fixed," she said.
There would be an incentive for people to enter into small businesses, she said, because owners would immediately have coverage. Businesses with whom she's spoken have said the plan would help retain workers, who leave because health insurance isn't offered. Moreover, businesses that insure both spouses will not be subsidizing businesses that offer no insurance.
Municipalities and school benefit, she said, because they would pay one fee that doesn't go up every year. With the savings, property taxes could be reduced or voters could opt to spend the money on capital expenditures or teacher salaries.
Another key part of her platform is the environment. LaMarche said she would encourage "green industry" in the state, by converting aging factories into green manufacturing, encouraging wind farms and promoting biodiesel.
Asked about the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, she said, she said she looks upon the yard as "an opportunity. The technology is there to turn the yard into anything it needs to be, as long as it has good paying jobs. Are we going to rue the day we're not overhauling subs? Right now, we're completely beholden to the whims of the federal government. I guess what I'm saying is, "What's your Plan B?'"
