Health Care Reform Highlights 

Maryland’s Health Care Reform Coordinating Council has been working through the summer to develop a comprehensive plan to implement the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).

Six Workgroups have been formed to address issues central to the reform process.  The Women’s Coalition has participated in a number of these.

Read our testimony to the Entry to Coverage Workgroup and our Draft Interim Findings on Eligibility and Enrollment issues.   These are based on our visits to 15 of Maryland’s 24 Local Health Departments. 

Learn more about the work of the Council and the Workgroups.  

What Changes Are Happening Right Now?

The new Federal Pre-Existing Pools are now open to those who have been unable to get insurance due to a pre-existing condition.  Find out if you qualify.

Find out what your insurance options in Maryland are right now:

• Maryland’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Get all the facts about the new law and more.  

There Will Be Big News On September 23rd

This is the day that a lot of important changes will take place.  You will be able to keep your children up to age 26 on your family plan; there will be health insurance reforms; and small businesses will have new options.  We will get you all the information you need.

Mark your calendars for October 13th.  We are co-hosting a forum in Baltimore – The New Health Care Law Is Here: How It Can Help You Right Now. If you can’t be there in person, plan to join by webcast and get your questions answered.

Get Involved – Make Health Care Reform Happen in Maryland

Yes, there are ways that you can help make sure we get health care reform right in Maryland. 

Vote! The primaries are on Tuesday, September 14th – be sure to cast your vote for candidates that fully support health care reform.

Organize an event for your organization or community.  The Coalition will be happy to help with handouts or a speaker.

Let us know about other health care reform related events and we will post them on our calendar. 

Personal stories do make a difference.  Read the stories of 39 newly insured Marylanders as compiled by the Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative. Then, send us your own story. We will keep your personal details anonymous.

Let Us Know What You Think

• Join us on Facebook. 
• 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

Even as we celebrate passage of health care reform, the Coalition is focused on addressing the challenges and taking advantage of the opportunities presented with its implementation. 

We need you to help us going forward.  Here is what you can do:

• Our Signature ScarfIf you are not a member of the Coalition, join.
• Become a Fan of the Coalition on Facebook.
• As we prepare materials to help Marylanders understand the new law we need to know what you are thinking.  Post your coments on our Facebook page 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 on line.