Send us Fan Mail

🎙️ Q-Point Podcast | Maine State Representative Chad Perkins — Part One

“A Hundred Percent Error Rate” — Perkins On MaineCare Billing Failures

In Part One of our conversation with Representative Chad Perkins, we take a deep dive into growing concerns surrounding MaineCare, audit findings, and the broader issue of government oversight. As Republican lead on the Government Oversight Committee, Perkins points to what he describes as a systemic breakdown—highlighting a federal audit of autism services billing that found a 100% error rate in sampled encounters, raising serious questions about how oversight is being conducted.

The conversation expands into the larger implications of those findings, including potential repayment of federal funds, gaps in accountability, and the effectiveness of Maine’s Program Integrity Unit. Perkins outlines concerns around whistleblower warnings, delayed action, and what he sees as a lack of meaningful enforcement at the state level.

We also explore additional oversight issues, including no-bid contracts, audit disputes, and ongoing concerns within DHHS—particularly around child safety and repeated investigations without clear resolution. From there, the discussion shifts to criminal justice policy, where Perkins shares perspective from his law enforcement background, addressing bail reform, prosecution trends, and the impact on victims and communities.

The episode also covers the rise in drug trafficking across Maine, challenges facing rural law enforcement, and recent efforts to adjust jail funding formulas to better reflect rising costs and operational realities.

📻 Airs weekends on The Voice of Maine (101.3 FM, 103.9 FM & The Voice of Maine App).
⬇️ 🎧 Now streaming on QPointPodcast.com | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music & more.
Pre-recorded, produced and sponsored by Corenna Quirk, Broker at NextHome Experience.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily represent those of the hosts, Q-Point Podcast associates, or affiliates.

Support the show

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or recommendations of any nature whatsoever, and no warrantee, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy of the information presented is made by your use. The views, information, opinions, comments, and observations of this podcast may not be those of the host or the management, and you entertain and rely on the content presented at your sole risk and responsibility. Your access of this podcast acknowledges that the contents and design are the sole property of the presenter and no use in any shape, manner or form of this podcast may be made without written permission. The presenter of the podcast hereby disclaims any and all responsibility for any and all damages arising out of or related to your use, reference and reliance on podcasts and information presented therein.