NPR, PBS Report on Rising Health Care Costs, Single-Payer Debate in Maine

NPR's "Morning Edition" on May 17 reported on rising health care costs in Maine, which is debating amoving to a universal health care system. "Morning Edition" reports that Maine has an "unfortunate combination of characteristics that magnify the problem" of increasing health costs, including a small population that is "older and sicker" than the national average; population distribution across a large area, which makes health care delivery "less efficient and more expensive"; and a "plethora" of small businesses, which "must pay more" for health insurance. (Rovner, "Morning Edition," NPR, 5/17). In November 2001, Portland residents approved a nonbinding ballot measure that called on the Portland City Council to send a resolution to the state Legislature in support of universal coverage and asked the Portland Health and Human Services Department to issue an annual report to the council about the benefits of a single-payer system (Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, 2/2). The full segment will be available in RealPlayer online after noon ET (Rovner, "Morning Edition," NPR, 5/17).

PBS Coverage
PBS' "NOW with Bill Moyers" tonight will also examine the health coverage debate in Maine. A transcript of the show is available online. The program's Web site also includes a transcript of Moyers' interview with reporter Julie Rovner on rising health care costs nationwide and an interactive map of health care resources across the United States. Check local listings for show times (Brangham/Rovner, "NOW with Bill Moyers," PBS, 5/17).