For years the state had been looking for a way to ensure that everyone has health care. We didn’t lack great ideas, but we needed a vision that could bring all the various players together.

As Maine’s Speaker of the House of Representatives I knew the issue had to be simplified, and solved. People looked to us to find a real solution and Gov. Baldacci courageously took on that challenge. From day one he set the wheels in motion with his comprehensive plan for health care reform. I’m proud to say that two years ago we pulled together in the 121st Legislature and established Dirigo Health. Since that time we have witnessed remarkable success in moving toward Dirigo Health’s goal of achieving universal healthcare access for all Maine people, improving the quality of care delivered, and reducing its costs.

It’s unfortunate that some Republicans have deliberately chosen to use the future of health care in Maine as a political football. The Maine Heritage Policy Center set up an office dedicated to the destruction of Dirigo Health. Their motives are obviously political. Every step of the way Republicans in the Legislature have attempted to hold healthcare progress to ransom. Health care should never be used for political gains. We are dealing with the health of every citizen in the state. Ensuring health care for all the citizens in Maine is what Gov. Baldacci is focused on. We should follow his lead.

With Gov. Baldacci’s determination and hard work the state has made amazing progress with Dirigo Health in a short period of time. Part of that progress has been the launch of DirigoChoice with Anthem as its insurance partner.

A recent survey completed by the Muskie School of Public Service confirms that DirigoChoice meets Maine’s need for affordable and better quality health care. Before DirigoChoice, a majority of enrollees with incomes below $18,620 had been paying about 25 percent of their annual incomes for healthcare coverage.

More than 2,000 small businesses are proud DirigoChoice participants. Over 8,000 people are enrolled – with over 1,000 people a month signing up. It is real coverage at the right price.

In a Strategic Marketing Services survey 69 percent of adults asked said they support the program. Dirigo Health is reducing the growth of Maine’s healthcare costs. The Superintendent of Insurance independently ruled that Dirigo Health was responsible for $43.7 million in savings since its inception. This is irrefutable proof that Dirigo Health saves money.

But the insurance industry refuses to live up to their word.

The understanding between all parties involved was that once Dirigo Health was shown to save costs, the program’s insurance provider would be asked to contribute funds to keep Dirigo Health healthy. Healthcare providers have contained costs. The state maintained the programs necessary to keep Dirigo Health running, despite devastating cuts from the federal government. Now it is time the insurance provider plays their part.

However, insurance providers are threatening to raise premiums to cover their costs – but these costs are recoverable from the record savings. They want their cake, ice cream and then some. On top of record revenues they are profiteering at the expense of the health of the people of Maine. It’s wrong.

While the rest of the country is struggling with the health care crisis Maine is leading the way with Dirigo Health. Companies are moving to Canada solely for health care coverage. Gov. Baldacci took a risk tackling the issue that is crippling businesses across the nation. He understands what the state of Maine needs and takes action.

Let’s build on our successes together, not tear them apart for political gain.

Pat Colwell is chairman of the Maine Democratic Party.