Do You Love MamaCare? We Do! 

On this special day celebrating mothers everywhere, we are joining forces with Countdown  to Coverage and Raising Women's Voices for the Health Care We Need to express our thanks for the many tangible differences the ACA is making in the lives of mothers and families in Maryland.    

Help us say thanks and to keep Affordable Care, Obamacare, MamaCare, or whatever you want to call it, by taking one or more of these actions:

• Take an "I love MamaCare" photo with your mother or child and tell us why you love the health care law. 
• Add your signature in support of the health care law here.  
• Read and share the Countdown to Coverage checklists of benefits for mothers and families.
• Tweet about MamaCare to @OurMamaCare or @OurCountdown with #OurMamaCare.
• Post about MamaCare on your Facebook wall.
  
  

New Protections for Mothers in August 2012

Starting in August this year, all new private insurance plans must begin covering the following additional preventive health services for women without co-pays:

• Contraception and contraceptive counseling.
• Screening and counseling for intimate partner violence.
• Screening for gestational diabetes.
• Breastfeeding counseling and equipment.
• Well-woman preventive care visits.

Source: Countdown to Coverage Checklist: Moms and Our Families   

Checking In On The Supreme Court

The Center for American Progress (CAP) released a report this month detailing what's at stake for women if the Supreme Court strikes down the Affordable Care Act.  To find out how mothers and families will be impacted if this landmark legislation is ruled unconstitutional by our high court, view CAP's full report here.  

Governor O'Malley Signs the Health Benefit Exchange Act of 2012!

The Coalition commends the Governor and his Administration for their leadership in making sure that Maryland continues to expand access to quality and affordable health care for more Marylanders. 

Lt. Governor Brown said that “[i]n Maryland, we appreciate the tremendous opportunity that the Affordable Care Act has provided to expand access, reduce costs, and improve the quality of health care for all Marylanders.”   Read the full press release.

Governor O'Malley Signs the Health Benefit Exchange Act of 2012

We Can't Do It Without You! Here's How You Can Get Involved:

We need you! The Coalition is launching an outreach effort to women of color.  Join us and bring the voices of all women to our work to ensure that all Marylanders have the health care they need and deserve.

• We want to be sure that women of color are well represented.  Encourage your family, friends, or an organization that works with this community to join.
• Organize an event for your organization or community.  We can provide materials, a speaker, and a power point presentation.
• Contact us if you want to co-sponsor one of our educational forums in Western and Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore in the next few months.
• Let us know about other health care reform related events and we will post them on our calendar.

Let Us Know What You Think

• Join us on Facebook and Twitter. 
• Tell us how we are doing either on Facebook or by email. Really, we need to know!
• Let us know what information you need and how we can help you.

Coalition Updates

The Coalition is commited to working with our members across Maryland and with our national partners, including Raising Women's Voices and the National Women's Health Network. We are particularly excited to be one of 10 states included in the National Women's Law Center State of Women project. Contact our Health Policy Analyst and Project Coordinator Sandy Kick to learn more or contact Jamie Shopland, our Outreach and Education Coordinator, to tell us how we are doing.

• Read the report "The Health of Maryland Women 2011" to learn more about the issues. 

We look forward to working with our members and we need your help: 

• If you are not a member of the Coalition, join now.
• Follow the Coalition on Facebook and Twitter.
• Give us your ideas - post your comments on Facebook or email them to us.
• Strut Your Stuff for Health Care Reform with a minimum donation of $35 we will give you our great Health Care. Get it. pin and our Signature Scarf.   Contact us or donate.
• You can support the Coalition and health care reform by getting one of the Coalition's new signature bags.  Order it now for just $25, or buy it at one of our upcoming forums.