Hold Maine accountable for MaineCare | Letter

Lewiston resident urges tighter oversight of MaineCare

Lewiston, Maine – A letter written by Lewiston resident Dean Sherwood and published in the Press Herald has called for stricter oversight of MaineCare, the state’s Medicaid program. Sherwood, who has expressed long‑standing concerns about rising tax bills and increasing everyday costs, argues that taxpayer dollars should be spent only on providers that can be verified as delivering quality services.

In the letter, Sherwood says, “MaineCare dollars must go to individuals whose providers can be verified to be providing quality services.” He further writes, “Maine taxpayers deserve to know that every MaineCare dollar spent is spent wisely and properly accounted for.” The letter stresses that the state should be held to the same standard as citizens, who “take responsibility for the money they spend.”

Sherwood supports a proposed rule by Lead Maine that would require in‑person inspections of all MaineCare providers before they can enroll. The rule would also mandate inspections during audits and fraud investigations. “This is a reasonable and sensible step to ensure that providers are legitimate and taxpayer dollars are protected,” the writer says.

The resident points out that MaineCare provides “important services” and that protecting the program from fraud, waste and abuse is “protecting MaineCare.” He stresses that stronger oversight will help make sure “Mainers who truly need the program will have it available to them.”

Sherwood’s letter was part of a broader discussion on how the state manages its Medicaid program. While the proposed rule has not yet been adopted, the letter adds to growing calls among Maine residents for increased transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.