New Hampshire officials are presently considering such an expansion. It will help families with working parents. This cost is passed on to other payers in the health care system contributing to the rising cost of health insurance for us all. Much of these hospital costs would be avoided if parents had access to primary care. This legislation would help Maine businesses by reducing employee turnover and maintaining a healthier workforce.
Turnover is expensive for employers, increasing both training and administrative costs.
One study in 1996 found that 3 out of every 4 uninsured adults reported poor health compared to only 1 out of 4 insured adults. Helps Children Providing health care to parents significantly increases access to care for their children. Research shows that children are more likely to use physicians' services if their mothers do. The State of Rhode Island had similar results. Both LD 1477 and LD 2552 have built-in cost controls to ensure that this program stays within budget.