AUGUSTA — The Maine Department of Health and Human Services is being sued over a decision to end ombudsman services through the state Medicaid program.

Consumers for Affordable Health Care filed the lawsuit last week.

Executive Director Emily Brostek says Mainers need the ombudsman program to help them navigate the health care system to ensure they’re getting the care they need.

The group, which lost the contract in June, filed a lawsuit last week in Kennebec County Superior Court.

Maine lawmakers are expected to consider a proposal to restore the contract for an ombudsman. Rep. Karen Vachon of Scarborough says the state needs to clear up the law on ombudsman services and determine whether not having an ombudsman violates the law.

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