Maine Public · Patty Wight · September 2, 2026
A bipartisan group of 100 lawmakers is urging the Mills administration to provide up to $6 million in emergency funding to Penobscot Community Health Care.
The state's largest health center announced last week that it needs at least $3 million within the next two months to avoid bankruptcy.
In a letter sent Tuesday, the lawmakers ask the administration to take immediate action to help stabilize Penobscot Community Health Care.
Without bridge funding, they say PCHC — which provides care to 50,000 patients across multiple locations — will have to curtail services, close clinics, and lay off staff. The nonprofit has already made cuts in recent years but lawmakers warn that reimbursement rates aren't keeping pace with inflation.
They point out that the state has come to the rescue of financially distressed hospitals in the past, and draw from the nearly $340 million it will receive in Rural Health Transformation Funds to help stabilize the health center.
The chairs of the Health Coverage, Insurance, and Financial Services Committee also urged the administration to provide emergency funding to Penobscot Community Health Care in a separate letter.
Lori Dwyer, president and CEO of the health center, issued a statement thanking lawmakers for the funding request.
"PCHC looks forward to working with the administration on how best to structure this investment and remains committed to its mission of ensuring that quality health care is accessible to every Mainer, regardless of their ability to pay," she said.
A spokesperson for Gov. Janet Mills says she has asked to meet with the health center's leadership next week to explore whether appropriate funding is available.