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An Act To Restore MaineCare Coverage for Ambulatory Surgical Center Services
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas,  the elimination of MaineCare coverage for ambulatory surgical center services in Public Law 2011, chapter 657 has resulted in a shift of services to more expensive inpatient settings; and
Whereas,  the elimination of MaineCare coverage for ambulatory surgical center services in Public Law 2011, chapter 657 has resulted in access problems for MaineCare beneficiaries, particularly in the medical specialties of orthopedics, ophthalmology and gastroenterology; and
Whereas,  an immediate restoration of MaineCare coverage for ambulatory surgical center services will address the access problems and will reduce costs in the MaineCare program; and
Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and allocations are made.
 
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF (FORMERLY DHS)
 
Medical Care - Payments to Providers 0147
 
Initiative: Appropriates funds to restore funding for MaineCare coverage for ambulatory surgical center services.

GENERAL FUND	2012-13	2013-14	2014-15	
All Other	$77,697	$93,274	$93,274	
				
GENERAL FUND TOTAL	$77,697	$93,274	$93,274	

FEDERAL EXPENDITURES FUND	2012-13	2013-14	2014-15	
All Other	$133,839	$148,619	$148,619	
				
FEDERAL EXPENDITURES FUND TOTAL	$133,839	$148,619	$148,619	
 
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.
 
SUMMARY
This bill restores funding for MaineCare coverage for ambulatory surgical center services.