Dirigo Health Reform Act: Addressing Health Care Costs, Quality, and Access in Maine

In June ‘03, Maine Gov. Baldacci signed into law the Dirigo Health Reform Act. A major premise behind the law is that successful health care reform must address cost, quality, & access simultaneously & with equal vigor. Named for Maine's motto: To Lead-the program is designed to guarantee health coverage by ‘09 to those who cannot afford insurance. The ME Governor’s Office of Health Policy & Finance (GOHPF) has partnered with NASHP to develop issue briefs keeping states abreast of the reform.