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VP Kamala Harris says she plans to 'earn and win' Democratic nomination after Joe Biden drops out and endorses her; New Alabama bill threatens voter rights, legal challenge ensues; Fact-checking GOP claims on immigrants; Water contamination a concern in Midwest flood aftermath.

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President Joe Biden drops his 2024 re-election bid. He's endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to take his spot on the ticket, and election experts say they see benefits to this decision.

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It's grass-cutting season and with it, rural lawn mower races, Montana's drive-thru blood project is easing shortages, rural Americans spend more on food when transportation costs are tallied, and a lack of good childcare is thwarting rural business owners.

ME survey shows support for transparent hospital prices, facility fee limits

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Friday, February 23, 2024   

A new survey reveals most Mainers support policies requiring medical providers to disclose their facility fees before they receive treatment.

The fees can range from $15 to thousands of dollars and are a growing concern for the 40% of Mainers who struggle with medical debt.

Ann Woloson, executive director of Consumers for Affordable Health Care, said such fees are the subject of an increasing number of calls to her organization's helpline.

"Not understanding what they are, why they're being charged for them," Woloson observed. "Especially if it's off a hospital campus in a provider's office, or for other services -- like telehealth, for example."

Woloson emphasized while it is important for Maine's hospitals to stay open, a majority of Mainers would support a law banning facility fees for care outside a hospital.

Maine lawmakers have taken steps to improve health care affordability, including expanding Medicaid coverage and helping ensure residents who qualify for government subsidies through CoverME.gov receive them. But half of those surveyed said they find it increasingly difficult to afford standard care, including those residents with employer-backed medical insurance.

Woloson argued health care is becoming unsustainable.

"Health insurance premiums become more expensive, consumers are expected to take on more cost-sharing," Woloson pointed out. "While efforts to improve access to coverage are so incredibly important, we believe more needs to be done to address rising costs."

Maine lawmakers are considering a bill to ensure the state's hospitals provide more free care, as required by their nonprofit status, and make care easier to access. Residents earning up to 200% of the federal poverty line would qualify.

Another bill would target medical debt by protecting consumers from predatory medical credit cards.

Disclosure: Consumers for Affordable Healthcare contributes to our fund for reporting on Budget Policy and Priorities, and Health Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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Vice President Kamala Harris spoke at a political event in Grand Rapids, Mich., in early 2024. (The White House/Wikimedia Commons)

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