Before I served in the Legislature, I practiced family medicine here in Gorham for 25 years. I loved the work, and helping young families in my own community lead healthy and happy lives was an absolute privilege.
But I also saw patients struggle with high costs and other barriers that prevented them from getting the care they needed. Simply put, in this country the amount and quality of health care that someone can receive is inextricably linked to how much money they have. That’s not fair, and it’s not how an effective health care system—one that prioritizes strong, healthy communities—should work.
That’s why, as a legislator, improving access to high-quality, affordable health care has been one of my top priorities. Tackling this challenge is a big job, and it takes action on many fronts, but this year the legislature has taken steps that will make a real difference.
We provided sustainable funding for MaineCare expansion, without raising taxes. This expansion was approved by the voters in 2017, but never implemented by the previous gubernatorial administration. Now in place, it provides health coverage to people who need it, and increases the federal government’s investment in health care in Maine, which helps our economy.
We also passed a suite of laws aimed at lowering the cost of prescription drugs in Maine. These laws allow for the wholesale importation of safe, affordable medicine from Canada, create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to give consumers a voice in drug pricing, hold corporate middlemen who pocket rebates intended for consumers accountable, and require greater transparency from drug companies.
At a time when other states and the federal government are restricting choice based on an extreme political ideology, Maine is leading the way by increasing access to safe, affordable reproductive health care. A new law I sponsored updates Maine’s Family Planning statutes to bring them in line with current medical practices. We also passed a law, sponsored by Gorham’s own Rep. Mo Terry, which allows over-the-counter drugs, including emergency contraception, to be sold in vending machines.
Another new law allows Advanced Clinicians, including Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Midwives, to perform abortion procedures, and another requires insurance plans that cover prenatal care to also cover abortions. This helps patients get care in their community, from a health care provider they trust.
We also took action to push back on the growing—and disturbing—trend of insurance companies interfering with patient care. We passed a law that restricts the use of “step therapy,” a practice that requires patients to try a generic alternative, and prove it doesn’t work, before getting the version they were originally prescribed. Another new law restricts the use of “prior authorization,” which is when an insurance company requires that they sign off on a certain treatment before it is administered. And, we passed a law requiring that medical reviews conducted by insurance companies are done by health care providers with relevant experience, instead of insurance company bureaucrats.
Finally, a new law I was very proud to introduce makes it easier for homeless youth to access the health care services they need. A recent survey found that lack of access to health care, in particular mental health services, was the biggest challenge for this vulnerable population.
We aren’t done yet. In the coming year, I will continue to push for more affordable, accessible health care for everyone.
As always, if you have any questions, comments or concerns please feel free to contact my office or send me an email. It’s an honor to serve as your state senator.
Linda Sanborn is serving her first term in the Maine Senate, representing Senate District 30, which includes Gorham, part of Buxton, and part of Scarborough. She previously served four terms in the Maine House, and practiced family medicine in Gorham for 25 years. Senator Sanborn lives in Gorham with her husband, Jeff, a Gorham native. They have three adult sons and one granddaughter.
(207) 287-1515 | Linda.Sanborn@Legislature.Maine.gov