2017 Maine Question 2

Seal of Maine

2017 Maine Question 2 was a referendum held in the U.S. state of Maine on November 7, 2017. This referendum, also known as the Medicaid Expansion Initiative, asked voters whether they wanted to expand Medicaid to cover adults under the age of 65 with incomes at or below 138 percent of the federal poverty level, as provided for under the Affordable Care Act. This made Maine the first state in the nation to decide on the expansion of Medicaid through a popular vote.

Background

Medicaid expansion had been a contentious issue in Maine for several years. The state's governor at the time, Paul LePage, had vetoed five previous attempts by the state legislature to expand the program. Proponents of the expansion argued that it would provide healthcare to over 70,000 Mainers who were otherwise without coverage and bring millions of federal dollars into the state. Opponents, including Governor LePage, contended that the expansion would be financially unsustainable in the long run and burden the state's budget.

Campaign

The campaign for Question 2 saw active participation from various groups. Supporters included healthcare organizations, patient advocacy groups, and several business and labor organizations. They argued that expanding Medicaid would not only improve health outcomes for thousands of Mainers but also create jobs and stimulate the state's economy. On the other side, opponents of the measure raised concerns about the cost of expansion, suggesting that it would lead to higher taxes or cuts in other services.

Results

The referendum passed with approximately 59% of voters in favor and 41% against. This result was seen as a significant victory for healthcare advocates and set the stage for similar initiatives in other states.

Aftermath

Following the approval of Question 2, the implementation of Medicaid expansion faced delays. Governor LePage remained a staunch opponent, arguing that the state legislature must first find a sustainable way to fund the state's share of the expansion costs without raising taxes or using the state's rainy day fund. It wasn't until January 2019, under the administration of Governor Janet Mills, that Medicaid expansion began to be implemented in Maine.

Impact

The successful passage of 2017 Maine Question 2 had several implications. It demonstrated the potential for direct democracy to influence healthcare policy, especially in states where legislative or executive actions have stalled. Additionally, the referendum's success inspired similar Medicaid expansion campaigns in other states, highlighting the issue's importance to many Americans and the growing support for broader access to healthcare.