Letters submitted by BDN readers are verified by BDN Opinion Page staff. Send your letters to letters@bangordailynews.com
As someone who is a registered nurse, I can tell you firsthand that Maine’s healthcare system has room for improvement, particularly when it comes to cost, access, and competition. I believe one of the most significant barriers to that progress is the state’s outdated Certificate of Need (CON) laws. While these laws were initially put in place to control healthcare costs by limiting unnecessary duplication of services, I think they have become an obstacle to efficiency, competition, and access.
I urge Maine to follow Vermont’s lead in reforming their own CON laws, which could encourage competition in the marketplace and drive down healthcare costs for Maine employers and families. Earlier this year, Vermont’s Legislature reformed their CON laws by significantly raising the monetary thresholds for the improvement of healthcare facilities and equipment. By fostering a competitive market, Maine could see innovation in healthcare delivery and improved access, resulting in a more efficient and effective system for all.
For rural Mainers like us, the need for reform is especially urgent. I believe the state’s CON laws limit the ability of healthcare providers to expand into underserved areas, leaving many communities with insufficient access to care. By updating these laws, we can ensure that all Mainers, regardless of their location, have access to the healthcare services they need.
I encourage the members of Maine’s Commission to Evaluate the Scope of Regulatory Review and Oversight over Health Care Transactions to borrow a page from Vermont’s book and push for these reforms and work toward a healthier and more efficient future for Maine.
Keziah Knowles
Vassalboro