Maine governor decries 'games' over Medicaid cuts

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) - Maine Gov. Paul LePage says "political games" are being played in Washington over cutbacks in the state's Medicaid program, or MaineCare.

LePage said Thursday the federal Department of Health and Human Services has extended by 90 days its time frame to decide whether to approve MaineCare reductions approved by the Legislature. The cuts eliminated coverage for 19- and 20-year-olds and reduced coverage for non-pregnant and non-disabled adults.

LePage says it costs $2.2 million to provide services he wants to cut.

Democratic Rep. Peggy Rotundo of Lewiston says "the governor and his Republican allies are in rush to take health care away from thousands of seniors, people with disabilities, and working parents." She says the governor's knows the cuts are against federal law.