Maine’s Governor Baldacci made health care a central issue of his campaign, frequently referring to Maine’s “health care crisis” during speeches. Over 180,000 Mainers are without health care coverage, and the state faces rapidly rising health care costs. Dirigo Health, the centerpiece of Governor Baldacci’s legislative agenda, follows several years of significant health care advances in Maine, including the groundbreaking prescription drug negotiated discount program and a patients’ bill of rights. While Dirigo Health offers the promise of employer-based universal coverage, it remains to be seen if employers will participate, a necessary element for its success.