BANGOR -- Democratic candidate for Congress Matt Dunlap emphasized his support for Medicare for all on Thursday, while blasting Republican opponent and former governor Paul LePage's healthcare record. This comes on the anniversary of Medicaid and Medicare.
The candidates in the high-stakes race for Maine's second congressional district are taking aim at each other's positions on the state's healthcare crisis.
"I don't see how taking things away, resources away from our working families does anything but drive them further into doubt and uncertainty," said Matt Dunlap.
Thursday marked the 61st anniversary of Medicaid, which provides coverage to more than 400 thousand Mainers through Mainecare.
Dunlap outlined his plans to protect medicaid, while also slamming Republican candidate Paul LePage for supporting major cuts to the health program.
"He vetoed medicaid bills one after the other, half a dozen times, we had voter approved medicaid expansion funds that he withheld until ordered by a court to release them," said Dunlap during a press conference on Thursday.
LePage's campaign was quick to push back. Senior Campaign Advisor, Brent Littlefield, issued a statement saying LePage paid off "Massive hospital debt" during his time as governor, and suggested Dunlap wants to eliminate private health insurance.
"Paul LePage will prioritize ensuring our hospitals can stay open and we keep doctors and nurses in Maine for Maine patients. Matt Dunlap wants to eliminate private health insurance, including union and work health plans, taking away health choices to turn it all over to the government," said Littlefield in part.
Dunlap disputed those claims.
"That would certainly be on the table and available to them, we're not banning private insurance by any stretch of the imagination," said Dunlap.
The federal reductions to Medicaid last year were the largest to date.
"Taking more away from Mainers, is not what's going to make things better here, we don't have anything to take away anymore," said Erin Oberson, Co-President of the Maine State Nurses Association.
Healthcare professionals stressed the cuts have impacted coverage for thousands of Mainers and increased the strain on Maine's hospitals and rural health care providers.
"When people lose coverage, they are more likely to get sick and end up in emergency rooms where it is harder and more expensive to help them," said Dr. Noah Nesin, a local family doctor.
The Maine Republican Party argues that nobody fought harder to keep Maine's healthcare systems strong and funded than Paul LePage.
"Paul LePage paid off the massive hospital debt left by the previous reckless administration and worked tirelessly to put the system on solid financial footing. Now, after eight years of Democrats again managing Maine's health care policies, our providers are facing a crisis," said Jason Savage, Maine Republican Party senior advisor.
Dunlap maintains LePage poses a threat to Maine's healthcare.
"We have to have an agenda that focuses on the working families of this state and this nation so that we can thrive," said Dunlap.