NY Times - In July, the Trump administration cut off Medicaid payments to reproductive health care clinics that offer abortions and receive more than $800,000 per year in Medicaid funding. The move was seen as directed at Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest provider of reproductive care and a longtime target of Republicans. But two smaller providers, Maine Family Planning and Health Imperatives, a network of seven clinics in southeastern Massachusetts, were also swept up in the measure.
The fallout will soon be felt by thousands of patients across the country, particularly in rural areas where there are few options. For many who first sought out Maine Family Planning because they needed birth control, gynecological exams or testing for sexually transmitted infections, the clinics have become trusted sources of other basic care, including routine physicals and management of diabetes and asthma.
Unable to continue absorbing the cost of the lost payments — about $165,000 per month — and unsuccessful in a legal challenge of the funding freeze, Maine Family Planning will stop delivering primary care on Oct. 31. It remains to be seen if cuts to more services, or clinic closures, will follow.
Portland Press Herald
Maine doctors face vaccine questions amid shifting federal guidelines
This year, Maine saw nearly 3 fewer inches of rain than the historical average of 11 inches. As of Oct. 2, more than half of the state was in severe or extreme drought. The Maine agricultural economy is grappling with long-term repercussions from the persistent drought, which deprived crops of critical water in July and August and now threatens next year’s harvests.
Maine schools are in disrepair. There isn’t enough money to address the crisis.