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Bill to pilot nonmedical MaineCare transportation for rural older adults and people with disabilities draws broad support
Summary
A bill to create a MaineCare pilot giving certain waiver recipients nonmedical rides (grocery, social, pharmacy) drew support from advocacy groups, county prevention councils and transportation advocates; witnesses said lack of local transit and social isolation harm health and urged a limited pilot and federal waiver to access Medicaid match.
Representative Dan Shagore told the committee Thursday that lack of nonmedical transportation is a serious barrier for older Mainers and adults with disabilities and asked lawmakers to authorize a pilot to provide limited nonmedical rides through MaineCare waiver services.
Why it matters "Imagine if you were stuck in your house and couldn't get out, buy groceries or other necessities," Shagore said. He told the committee Maine's combination of an older population and rural geography produces high demand for nonmedical transportation; presenters linked transportation gaps to…
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