Dirigo Health--a universal health care coverage plan in Maine: implications for Massachusetts.

Abstract

On June 18th, Maine governor John Baldacci signed into law a comprehensive health care initiative know as Dirigo Health. Dirigo is Latin for "I lead", the state motto. Dirigo is often referred to as Maine's new universal coverage law. The law seeks to achieve universal access to coverage by integrating access, cost, and quality initiatives. While Dirigo responds to and takes advantage of particular circumstances in Maine, it has naturally drawn a great deal of interest from other states seeking to deal with similar problems. This issue brief provides an overview of Dirigo Health and outlines areas that might inform the health policy debate in Massachusetts (and perhaps other states as well).