Dirigo Health. Leading the way

Area of Science:

• Public health policy
• Healthcare economics
• Health services research

Background:

• Maine is launching Dirigo Health, a public/private initiative.
• The program aims to provide universal health coverage to all state residents.
• Hospitals are cooperating by agreeing to cost and margin limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation of Maine's Dirigo Health program.
• To analyze the potential impact of universal health coverage on public health.
• To assess the effect on uncompensated care costs for hospitals.

Main Methods:

• The initiative involves a public/private partnership.
• Hospitals commit to cost and margin controls.
• The program seeks to guarantee health coverage for all citizens.

Main Results:

• Dirigo Health is set to launch, aiming for universal healthcare access.
• Hospitals will limit costs and margins to support the program.
• The initiative is expected to improve public health and reduce uncompensated care.

Conclusions:

• Maine's Dirigo Health program represents a significant effort towards universal healthcare.
• The collaboration between public and private sectors is key to its success.
• The program's outcomes will be closely monitored nationally.