PORTLAND, Maine (AP) _ Gubernatorial hopeful Mike Michaud says Maine must take advantage of telemedicine and support preventative care services that can reduce health care costs down the road.
The Democrat's 10-part health care plan released on Monday also includes expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, which he has pledged to put forward on his first day in office, if elected.
Republican Gov. Paul LePage opposes the expansion because he says it will be too costly for Maine.
Michaud's plan also calls for facilitating the use of telehealth services, which allows physicians to interact with patients via video, to prevent costly hospital admissions.
He also proposes improving substance abuse and mental health services, by creating a policy center to recommend evidence-based prevention and treatment plans, among other things.