Maine People's Alliance - Blue Ribbon Commission press release

AUGUSTA—Governor John Baldacci today announced the names of the members of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Dirigo Health. The Governor created the commission by Executive Order on May 24 as the legislative session drew to a close.

“DirigoChoice is working for over 15,400 Maine workers and families, and 2,000 businesses,” said Governor Baldacci. “Maine is one of only seven states in the country that saw a decrease in the rate of uninsured. We can do more.”

“It is not right that people work hard, play by the rules and pay their taxes do not have the health coverage they need. With the valuable experience gained in the first year of Dirigo, we need to continue our work together with the Legislature, to build on the foundation we have laid. Maine people need and deserve affordable, quality health care that we can depend upon.”

The commission will be chaired by Dr. Sandra Featherman, who served as president of the University of New England, in Biddeford, from 1995 until last week.

The commission’s other members represent a cross section of Maine life, coming from backgrounds of business, industry, education, and consumer activism. The members are listed below with their affiliation:

David Brenerman, Assistant Vice President of Government & Public Affairs, UnumProvident Corporation, Portland
Joe Ditre, Executive Director, Consumers for Affordable Health Care, Augusta
Joan Donahue, owner, Hummingbird Home Care, Warren
Carol Epstein, owner, Epstein Commercial Real Estate, Bangor
Kevin Gildart, Vice President, Bath Iron Works, Bath
Tammy Greaton, Director, Maine People’s Alliance, Portland
Merton Henry, Attorney, Jensen, Baird, Gardner and Henry, Portland
Mike Keenan, President, Local S6, Bath
Dr. Robert McAfee, Chairman, Dirigo Health Board of Directors, Portland
Steven Michaud, President, Maine Hospital Association, Augusta
Chip Morrison, President, Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce, Lewiston and member, Advisory Council, Maine Quality Forum
Katherine Pelletreau, Executive Director, Maine Association of Health Plans, Yarmouth
Ed Pineau, President, Pineau Policy Associates, Inc., Manchester
Keith Small, Director, Down East Business Alliance, Milbridge
Gordon Smith, Executive Vice President, Maine Medical Association, Manchester
Dr. Peter Toussaint, physician, New Canada
Barbara Trafton, realtor, Keller Williams Realty, Auburn
MaryAnne Turowski, SEIU Field Representative, Maine State Employees Association, Augusta
Trish Riley, Director, Governor’s Office of Health Policy and Finance, Augusta, ex officio

The Governor said that he will working with legislators to explore their concerns fully and hear their ideas. “We will report to Leadership and the Insurance and Financial Services, Health and Human Services and Appropriations Committees to get their feedback and ensure legislators are engaged in the Commission’s work,” he said.

The Governor expects the commission to hold its first meeting in August and to report back to him by December 15.

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