Comments about: Both sides misleading public on beverage tax-Dirigo Health issue
In November, Maine voters will decide whether to veto a package of taxes passed to fund Dirigo Health, Maine's...
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Chris of Brunswick, ME
Aug 7, 2008 1:52 PM
This op-ed is total BS: please vote for repeal Pingree’s new Dirigo taxes in November and demand reform of Dirigo’s squander of our tax dollars, currently 1.7% on private health insurance claims. For example Dirigo is currently paying medical providers the same exorbitant reimbursement rates that private health insurance pays.

Can anyone beside liberals explain why Dirigo should pay medical providers more than Medicare and the VA, and far more than Medicaid pays? Is it then surprising the Maine Medical Association is desperate to protect their big paydays of our Dirigo taxes - which are currently 1.7% on health insurance claims?

Also the Dirigo board is claiming that “voluntary” reductions in rates by hospitals should lead to higher Dirigo taxes. Does that make sense to anyone besides liberals?

Liberals also claims wine, beer, and hard cider are bad for you, so Pingree's new Dirigo taxes make perfect sense. However red wine has a chemical called “resveratrol,” which is said to be involved in both life extension and cancer prevention. Also many medical studies have shown drinking alcoholic beverages in moderation is healthier for you than not drinking at all.report abuse
olivertwist of belgrade, ME
Aug 7, 2008 1:51 PM
What the Dirigo supporters don't tell you is that the enrollment is now closed to new people.The only people who will be hurt is the consumer at stores and restaurants who will have to pay higher prices on water and other beverages.Just think what it will cost restaurants to print up new menus for the increase in drinks.They will have to take away that free refill on soda to help keep cost down.So much for democracy that passes taxes at midnight with no hearings.Send Augusta a message in november by voting out anyone who passed this bill.NO MORE TAXES AND FEES.report abuse
Jerry of West Gardiner, ME
Aug 7, 2008 1:33 PM
This is the first time I have seen anything about the double funding. I have not heard about the original Dirigo funding set up going away. So Pingree/Baldaci who is blowing smoke up whose pipe?report abuse
Bole of Augusta, ME
Aug 7, 2008 1:01 PM
The US medical system is so corrupt it will never work right and can't be fixed.report abuse

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