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Lawmakers Hear Pleas to Boost Maine Veterans Homes Funding as Facilities Face Operating Losses
Summary
Supporters told the Health and Human Services committee that Maine Veterans' Homes are operating at a substantial loss and need a baseline appropriation to remain open; the sponsor asked to add LD 182 to the legislature’s budget to secure state dollars and a federal match.
Representative Laura Soupica introduced LD 182, asking the joint committee on Health and Human Services to require the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to set MaineCare reimbursement on a per‑resident basis for Maine Veterans Homes (MVH).
The bill sponsor and veteran advocates said the six MVH facilities — in Augusta, Bangor, Caribou, Machias, Scarborough and South Paris — face large operating shortfalls and that short‑term appropriations have not solved the underlying gap. “Without this funding, Maine Veterans Homes will have to continue to draw from its capital investments to meet its operational losses,” Sponsor Laura Soupica said, and she asked the committee to send LD 182 to the full legislature.
Why it matters: Testimony from MVH leadership, veterans’ organizations and family members…
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