New York (CNN) Medicaid expansion is finally advancing in Maine, more than a year after voters approved it at the ballot box.

Newly sworn in Gov. Janet Mills, a Democrat who campaigned on broadening access to health insurance, used her first executive order to direct the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to begin implementation of Medicaid expansion.

The effort had been repeatedly blocked by former Gov. Paul LePage, a Republican, who cited the financial burden. He stuck with his refusal to make the change even though the state's Supreme Court ruled that the expansion's effective date was July 2, 2018.

"Expanding health care and lowering the cost for Maine people and small businesses is a top priority of my administration, and I look forward to working with the legislature to achieve that goal," Mills said.

The new governor also promised to work with the legislature, which is now controlled by Democrats, to make expansion financially sustainable. More than 70,000 Mainers are expected to gain coverage through expansion.

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