Maine Republican House Candidate Outlines Health Proposals

Maine Republican House candidate Kevin Raye on Monday outlined his health care reform plan, which includes several proposals to cut health care costs, the Bangor Daily News reports. Among his plans, Raye supports providing uninsured residents who do not qualify for Medicaid refundable tax credits to purchase health insurance. Raye, who formerly served as chief of staff to Sen. Olympia Snowe (R), said he would pay for health care tax credits through money in the Bush administration's 2003 budget proposal. However, a spokesperson for state Sen. Mike Michaud (D), Raye's opponent in the race, questioned the funding proposal. Michaud supports a similar tax credit plan but would pay for it by "redirecting" half of an income tax cut passed last year, the spokesperson said. Raye's reform plan also calls for a Medicare prescription drug benefit that is available to all beneficiaries, is voluntary and allows a choice of coverage plans. In addition, Raye supports curtailing "runaway" spending by pharmaceutical companies on advertising, limiting health care costs by capping punitive malpractice awards and reducing paperwork for health providers and allowing patients to sue HMOs for denied services only after arbitration talks have failed. Raye also said he opposes creating a government-run system of health care similar to Canada's system. "As one who lives near the border ... I am familiar with the negative aspects of this approach, especially the bureaucracy and inefficiency in providing crucial health care services," Raye said. The Daily News reports that health care is "far and away" the most important issue in this race, according to a recent poll. Both candidates have addressed health care at almost every campaign stop, the Daily News reports. Raye and Michaud are running for the seat being vacated by incumbent Rep. John Baldacci (D), who is running for governor (Tuttle, Bangor Daily News, 9/17).