BREAKING: Collins Votes Against Saving Health Care for 110,000 Mainers, Moves Government Closer to a Shutdown

BREAKING: Collins Votes Against Saving Health Care for 110,000 Mainers, Moves Government Closer to a Shutdown

Augusta, Maine - Susan Collins just voted against a bill that would have saved health care for 50,000 Mainers who are at risk of seeing their insurance premiums increase by double digits when enhanced premium ACA tax credits expire and 61,000 Mainers who will lose their health care coverage due to GOP Medicaid cuts. Collins' vote pushes the country closer to a government shutdown.

Collins is following President Trump's order to not "even bother dealing with" Democrats. In stating her opposition to the bill, Collins claimed extending the enhanced premium ACA tax credits "does not have a Sept. 30 deadline," despite Maine insurance rates already going up and Maine state officials warning action must be taken before September 30th.

Maine Democratic Party spokesperson Tommy Garcia:
"Donald Trump told Republicans not to negotiate with Democrats to save health care for millions of Americans, and just like clockwork, Susan Collins fell in line. Her vote against extending ACA tax credits will have a devastating impact in Maine, where 61,000 people are already at risk of losing their insurance thanks to the Medicaid cuts that she greenlit. Mainers are paying attention, and they will see that Collins would rather shut down the government than fight for our health care."

Collins voted against:

• Reversing the devastating Medicaid cuts she greenlit that will force 61,000 Mainers to lose their health care coverage and number of rural Maine hospitals to shut down.

• Extending ACA enhanced premium tax credits that are set to expire - which has already driven up premium rates in Maine, will increase typical monthly premiums from "about $260 to $440," putting 50,000 Mainers at risk of not being able to afford their care.

• Unfreezing Trump's freeze on federal grants, many of which have directly impacted Maine.

• Reign in Trump and the OMB's ability and efforts to unilaterally rescind already appropriated funds.

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