Maine

Maine manages to retain most Medicare enrollees even as pandemic-era protections end • Maine Morning Star

Published

2 years ago

August 5, 2024

Maine manages to retain most Medicare enrollees even as pandemic-era protections end • Maine Morning Star

As pandemic-era protections end, Maine has managed to keep almost 70 percent of people formerly relying on state healthcare on Medicaid, a rate better than the national average and many other states.

More than 300,000 Mainers have renewed their MaineCare coverage so far, according to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. MaineCare is the state’s name for federal Medicaid, which provides health coverage to millions of low-income adults, children, pregnant individuals, elderly adults and people with disabilities.

Approximately 13 percent of all renewals have been terminated, either due to procedural reasons such as an incomplete form or missing information, or due to enrollees being deemed ineligible. The rest are applications pending manually or automatic renewals.

That amounts to an enrollment decline of 16,000 people from MaineCare, according to Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy, which tracks data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on the Medicaid unwinding.

During the COVID-19 public health emergency, the federal government offered states extra benefits to keep people enrolled in Medicaid. So even if an individual’s income increased and they no longer qualified, they still retained free dental, mental and health care benefits.

That coverage, known as continuous enrollment, officially ended in March 2023. So starting in spring 2023, states had approximately a year to redetermine eligibility and terminate coverage for people who would no longer be eligible. Maine started unwinding last April, and the unwinding period ends this October.

States have had varying success rates retaining healthcare coverage for residents, with states such as Oregon and Arizona keeping more than 80 percent of enrollees covered with state Medicaid programs, while millions of Texans lost Medicaid coverage.

The national average was a 63 percent retention rate, according to Allie Gardner, a research fellow at Georgetown.

“Medicaid enrollees largely had greater protections from disenrollment in Maine than they did in other states.”

There is no one clear reason Maine successfully kept most people who need MaineCare enrolled in the program, according to John Gale, a senior research associate at the Maine Rural Health Research Center within University of Southern Maine.

“It’s a combination of factors, I think; manageable population, reasonable policies, a smaller number of enrollees to track down, and an accepting political climate,” he said.

“Part of it is we don’t see the same level of anxiety or anger towards people on Medicaid. I mean, we pretty much accepted that this is an important safety net program for people who don’t normally, who may not qualify for coverage under the marketplaces.”

Maine’s start to unwinding was with noncompliance

Despite this overall success, the state had an uphill battle to keep most eligible Mainers covered under MaineCare when unwinding began.

In April 2023, Maine was one of the only states not in compliance with CMS because it was not offering any passive renewals, called ex parte renewals, for people already on Medicaid. Through ex parte renewals, an existing member’s eligibility can be determined automatically through available data sources, such as income data, without requiring action by the enrollee, which saves time and paperwork for state employees.

Until August 2023, all MaineCare renewals had to be done manually, but when CMS did their review of state compliance of federal renewal requirements prior to the unwinding, they found that Maine was not in compliance, Gardner said. CMS then worked with the state’s health department to develop mitigation strategies until they were able to get their ex parte system up and running.

One of the included the state not being able to terminate any coverage until there was an ex parte renewal either automatically through the system, or through manual workarounds with employees replicating that ex parte process, Gardner said.

“Considering where Maine was at the start of the unwinding with no ex parte renewals, I’d actually say it’s pretty impressive where they are,” she said.

“Cumulatively, Maine’s ex parte rate is right around 25 percent, and there are states that were doing ex parte and had those systems in place that have far lower ex parte renewals throughout the unwinding.”

Lowest rate of procedural disenrollments across the country

There are two ways someone enrolled in Medicaid can lose their coverage during unwinding: if they are deemed ineligible based on the updated eligibility requirements, or if they are disenrolled due to a missing form or information.

Only 20 percent of Mainers who were up for renewal were procedurally disenrolled, according to Georgetown data, which is the lowest procedural disenrollment rate of all states. The vast majority of disenrolled people were not deemed eligible under the updated requirements.

Because Maine was not able during those first few months of unwinding to end someone’s coverage until they had an automatic system, Gardner said this basically meant that the first few months of Maine’s unwinding, no one was terminated from coverage if they had missing or incomplete information, or if they were unresponsive.

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Related Topics:covid 19 Featured health care Maine DHHS Medicaid

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Maine

Maine Lottery results: See winning numbers for Pick 3, Pick 4 on April 16, 2026

Published

7 hours ago

April 17, 2026

Press Room

The results are in for the Maine Lottery’s draw games on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

Here’s a look at winning numbers for each game on April 16.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from April 16 drawing

Day: 1-0-8

Evening: 0-4-2

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from April 16 drawing

Day: 4-4-6-3

Evening: 4-9-7-9

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Gimme 5 numbers from April 16 drawing

13-15-24-25-28

Check Gimme 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from April 16 drawing

01-02-31-47-57, Bonus: 04

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Maine Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 3, 4: 1:10 p.m. (Day) and 6:50 p.m. (Evening) ET daily.
Lucky For Life: 10:38 p.m. ET daily.
Lotto America: 10:15 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Gimme 5: 6:59 p.m. ET on Monday through Friday.
Cash Pop: 8:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. & 11:30 p.m. ET daily.
Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. ET daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Maine

Meet the 2026 Outstanding Graduating Students – UMaine News

Published

19 hours ago

April 16, 2026

Press Room

Meet the 2026 Outstanding Graduating Students – UMaine News

Twelve undergraduates have been named 2026 Outstanding Graduating Students at the University of Maine.

Hamidah Aldarwish

College of Education and Human Development

Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Relations

Hamidah Aldarwish of Dammam, Saudi Arabia is the Outstanding Graduating International Student for the College of Education and Human Development. Aldarwish arrived in Maine in 2019 with her family — her husband, Jafar, and their three girls who are now ages 11 to 15. Aldarwish completed her capstone internship at UMaine’s Children’s Center with a focus on the application of observational and developmental principles in early childhood settings, particularly related to children with diverse developmental needs, including autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. After graduation, Aldarwish plans to return to Saudi Arabia to work with families and children.

A full profile of Aldarwish is online.

Ella Boxall

Maine College of Engineering and Computing

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with Minors in Sustainability and Mathematics and a Concentration in Water Resources

Ella Boxall of Kennebunkport, Maine is the Outstanding Graduating Student in the Maine College of Engineering and Computing. She has completed internships with GEI Consultants and TRC Companies, conducted research using MATLAB to project sea level rise and king tides in Bar Harbor and served as a learning assistant and grader. Her capstone project focuses on redesigning a gravity-fed water system for a salmon rearing facility in Aroostook County, highlighting creative, low-energy engineering solutions. She plans to pursue graduate studies in marine science in the United Kingdom and build a career promoting coastal and environmental resilience.

A full profile of Boxall is available online.

Dianne Brindisi

Division of Lifelong Learning

Bachelor of University Studies, Leadership Studies Track

Dianne Brindisi of Cape Neddick, Maine, is the Outstanding Graduating Student in the Division of Lifelong Learning at the University of Maine. Service has always been central to Brindisi’s life. From supporting families in need and mentoring young leaders to contributing to professional associations that advance women and industry standards, Brindisi believes leadership is inseparable from service. Looking ahead, she is committed to educating the public about the university studies program and sharing her positive experience and welcomes the opportunity to serve as a program ambassador.

A full profile of Brindisi is online.

A portrait of Kate Christine Evans — Kate Evans

Kate Evans

College of Education and Human Development

Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with a Second Major in Spanish

Kate Evans of Bangor, Maine is the Outstanding Graduating Student for the College of Education and Human Development. A single mom of four young children, whom she has homeschooled while working toward her degree, Evans earned a 4.00 GPA while pursuing double majors in secondary education and Spanish. She received the Roger Hill Humanities Scholarship and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Outstanding Junior Award. Evans is an active member of her church community, where she often volunteers her time for service and educational programs. After graduating she plans to stay in the Bangor region and teach Spanish at a local high school.

A full profile of Evans is online.

Chantelle Flores

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences | Honors College

Bachelor of Arts in English with a Minor in Creative Writing

Bachelor of Arts in Art History with a Minor in Classical Studies

Chantelle Flores of Oakland, Maine is the Outstanding Graduating Student for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. She was a McGillicuddy Humanities Center (MHC) Undergraduate Fellow, as well as a Zillman Art Museum Research Curatorial Fellow through the center. Flores interned at the UMaine Writing Center and served as co-editor-in-chief of Spire magazine. After graduation, she plans to pursue an internship related to literature or the arts and apply for graduate programs for art history, with the ultimate goal of acquiring a Ph.D. in contemporary art history and becoming a professor.

A full profile of Flores is online.

Zoe Furber

College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Marine Science with a Second Major in Biology with a Concentration in Marine Biology

Zoe Furber of Vancouver, British Columbia is the Outstanding Graduating International Student for the College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences. She has been a member of the UMaine Field Hockey team since 2022 and was appointed captain in 2025. During her time at UMaine, she completed a capstone project comparing ocean temperatures in the Gulf of Maine to heart rate metrics of blue mussels. These experiences prepared her for a career in environmental, social and governance (ESG) and sustainability. Furber plans to complete a Master of Science in Global Strategy and Sustainability at the University of Edinburgh, where she will play field hockey for an additional year.

A full profile of Furber is online.

Ruth Griffith

College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences | Honors College

Bachelor of Science in Economics with Minors in Mathematics and International Affairs

Ruth Griffith of Parkman, Maine, is the Outstanding Graduating Student for the Honors College and the 2026 UMaine valedictorian. She is majoring in economics with minors in mathematics and international affairs. Through her honors thesis, Griffith developed a method to analyze sub-county economic trends using regional data, helping illuminate how policies impact local communities across Maine. Drawing on her background in regional economics, she adapted tools used for markets to understand disparities. Beyond academics, she has led service initiatives such as the Maine Day Meal Packout, coordinating efforts that provide tens of thousands of meals statewide. She will launch her career at TD Bank in New York City after graduation and plans to one day pursue a Master of Business Administration.

A full profile of Griffith is online.

Sarah Johnson

Maine Business School

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting with a Second Major in Business Information Systems and Security Management

Sarah Johnson of Clifton, Maine is the Outstanding Graduating Student for the Maine Business School. Johnson has completed multiple internships with both the Maine Business School and BerryDunn, an accounting and consulting services firm. She has also worked as an undergraduate assistant for UMaine’s Office of Institutional Research and Assessment. These roles strengthened her professional skill set, including effective communication, adaptability, critical thinking and the ability to apply feedback constructively. They also prepared her to approach problems analytically and to collaborate effectively in a professional setting. Following graduation, she will launch her career at BerryDunn as a tax specialist.

A full profile of Johnson is online.

Jasper Makowski

College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences | Honors College

Bachelor of Science in Microbiology

Jasper Makowski of Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, is the Outstanding Graduating Student in the College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences. He secured internships and part-time work with two medical facilities and UMaine’s Maginnis Lab. Working closely with associate professor of microbiology Melissa Maginnis, he researched signaling mechanisms in viruses and learned about a range of diseases. Makowski is a student organizer for the Maine Day Meal Packout. Outside of academics, he retreats to the Maine outdoors and enjoys a variety of activities, from backpacking to fly fishing. After he graduates, he is pursuing a medical degree with plans to return to rural Maine as a primary care provider.

A full profile of Makowski is online.

Andrii Obertas

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Physics

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

Andrii Obertas of Lutsk, Ukraine, is the 2026 Outstanding Graduating International Student for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the 2026 UMaine co-salutatorian. Pursuing dual degrees in physics and mathematics, Obertas has distinguished himself through academic excellence and perseverance. He has conducted original research in both physics and mathematics, while also engaging in outreach efforts that bring science education to communities across Maine. His experience at UMaine has been shaped by a strong sense of community and opportunity, which he credits with providing hope for his future. After graduation, Obertas plans to pursue a master’s degree in mathematics through the accelerated 4+1 program.

A full profile of Obertas is online.

Samuel Tremblay

Maine Business School

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Management

Samuel Tremblay of Quebec City is the Outstanding Graduating International Student for the Maine Business School. Tremblay is a tutor, mentor, Maine Business School ambassador and president of the UMaine chapter of the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society. He is also a kicker for the UMaine Football Team, through which he became a finalist for the Fred Mitchell Award, and a representative for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. He served as a captain on Canada’s Junior National Team at the International Federation of American Football’s World Junior Championship. After graduation, he plans to stay at UMaine and pursue a master’s degree while continuing to play football.

A full profile of Tremblay is online.

A portrait of Karun Varghes — Karun Varghes

Karun Varghese

Maine College of Engineering and Computing | Honors College

Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering with a Minor in Robotics

Karun Varghese of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is the Outstanding Graduating International Student in the Maine College of Engineering and Computing and the Honors College. Varghese assumed research roles in the Computer Vision and Autonomous Robotics Lab, the High Altitude Ballooning Lab and the Advanced Structures and Composites Center. Outside of academics, he participated in the Black Bear Robotics Club, the South Asian Association of Maine and Model United Nations. Through Model UN, he traveled internationally to Taiwan, the Philippines and Peru. After graduation, he will pursue graduate studies at Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute.

A full profile of Varghese is online.

Contact: Marcus Wolf, 207.581.3721; marcus.wolf@maine.edu

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Maine

Heading to Maine? Buy local or heat-treated firewood to comply with state rules

Published

1 day ago

April 16, 2026

Press Room

Heading to Maine? Buy local or heat-treated firewood to comply with state rules

PORTLAND (WGME) — Campfire season is upon us, and many people might not think twice about transporting firewood from state to state.

But it’s important to remember that it’s illegal to bring out-of-state firewood into Maine, unless it’s properly treated.

There is a ban on transporting out-of-state firewood into Maine to help slow the spread of invasive pests.

“Whether it’s processed firewood or log-length firewood, if its purpose is to be used for firewood and it’s coming from out of state, then it needs to be heat-treated. Heat treatment means that the firewood would have reached a core temperature of at least 160 degrees for at least 75 minutes,” Maine Forest Service State Entomologist Allison Kanoti said.

Facilities that offer heat-treated firewood need a permit.

That permit then travels with the wood for proof that it was properly treated.

There is a ban on transporting out-of-state firewood into Maine to help slow the spread of invasive pests.

“Heat treating will kill things like insects, nematodes, fungus, bacteria that can travel in and on firewood and cause harm to our environment,” Kanoti said.

As of now, there is no county-to-county ban on transporting firewood, but there are quarantines in place to keep organisms from spreading.

“They are pest-based quarantines, so they focus on individual organisms. They are the emerald ash borer quarantine, which regulates the movement of hardwood firewood. Also, the European Larch Canker quarantine regulates the movement of any larch,” Kanoti said.

There is a ban on transporting out-of-state firewood into Maine to help slow the spread of invasive pests.

Examples of larch wood are conifers as well as tamarack.

And since the state-to-state ban was issued, Maine’s trees may be reaping the benefits.

“We do have some evidence that it is slowing the spread of these potentially dangerous organisms. But really, we just need everybody to make the right decisions regardless of the rules, and that is to use the local firewood,” Kanoti said.

There is a ban on transporting out-of-state firewood into Maine to help slow the spread of invasive pests.

Here you can learn more about the ban or the quarantines in place.

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