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One of my biggest goals is to keep healthcare costs down.
A recent development I’m watching is Prime Healthcare Foundation’s acquisition of Central Maine Healthcare, which serves roughly 400,000 patients across the state. In recent years, Central Maine has faced serious financial strain, including operating losses of about $30 million in 2024 and $19 million in 2025.
With access to care for thousands of Mainers on the line, stabilizing this system is critical.
I’m hopeful that the commitment to invest $150 million over the next five years into facilities, services, and infrastructure will help. If delivered effectively, that investment could modernize care and improve long-term stability, especially as demand rises. The state’s population aged 65 and older is projected to grow by nearly 16% over the next five years, increasing the demand for hospital and specialty services.
This transition cannot come at the expense of patients. Financial stability cannot be achieved by shifting costs onto families through higher hospital rates or rising insurance premiums. Mainers are already under pressure from higher costs for housing, food, fuel, and insurance. This investment should bring relief — not add to the burden.
Prime Healthcare now has an opportunity to show that stability and affordability can go hand in hand. The promise of investment and continuity is encouraging, but if it leads to higher costs for patients and small businesses, it will undermine the community it serves.
Mainers deserve both strong hospitals and reasonable prices — and a goal I will always fight for.
Rep. Josh Morris
Turner