AUGUSTA, ME – November 11, 2023 – The Maine Democratic Party sharply criticized Senator Susan Collins today for failing to support measures that would have mitigated ample increases in health insurance premiums for Maine residents.The rebuke follows confirmation that Mainers face double-digit rate hikes for 2024 coverage, impacting families and businesses across the state.
These escalating costs come as Senator Collins has accepted over $76,000 in campaign contributions from the insurance industry since the start of 2017, raising questions about her priorities and responsiveness to the needs of her constituents. The Maine Democratic Party contends that her inaction directly contributes to the financial strain experienced by Maine people struggling to afford essential healthcare.
According to filings with the federal Election Commission, insurance companies and their political action committees have consistently contributed to Collins’ campaigns. The Maine Beacon reported that these contributions totaled over $76,000 since January 1, 2017. Simultaneously, Maine’s health insurance market has experienced important premium increases.
The Maine Bureau of Insurance recently approved average premium increases of 13.8% for 2024 plans offered through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. This follows previous years of substantial rate hikes, placing an increasing burden on individuals and families who rely on these plans for coverage.
“Senator Collins has a clear choice: stand with the insurance companies funding her campaigns or stand with Maine families struggling to afford healthcare,” stated a press release issued by the Maine Democratic Party. “Her continued acceptance of industry money and refusal to champion policies that lower costs demonstrate a troubling pattern of prioritizing special interests over the well-being of her constituents.”
The Maine Democratic Party is calling on Senator Collins to support policies aimed at increasing openness in healthcare pricing, negotiating lower drug costs, and strengthening consumer protections within the insurance market. They argue that these steps are crucial to address the affordability crisis and ensure access to quality healthcare for all Mainers.
