Raising Women's
Voices For The Health Care We Need

AMERICA 'S TIME IS NOW!
Health care “should be a right for every American.”
                                            President Barack Obama

Two Things You Can Do Right Now!

JOIN US ON CAPITOL HILL
HEALTH CARE FOR AMERICA NOW! DAY
Thursday, June 25

WHY IS HEALTH CARE REFORM IMPORTANT TO YOU?

Health Care Stories – See what others have said about health care reform

"Ted Kennedy has brain cancer. So does a woman in Maryland whose treatment has been constantly interrupted. At the start, she had state-of-the-art surgery at a premiere cancer center in NYC. But when she moved to New Jersey her radiation treatment was delayed 6 weeks. When she moved to Maryland she had to demonstrate 6 months' residency to get chemotherapy.   Fearful of treatment delays, her devoted family drove her from Maryland to New Jersey – 5 and 1/2 hours each way – for months of chemo in order to keep the cancer at bay. Yet, she lived but a "stone's throw" from Johns Hopkins and Anne Arundel Medical Centers , two of Maryland 's best cancer centers.

Ask yourself:  Why isn't insurance coverage seamless across state lines? Is treatment delayed, treatment denied?"  Washington, DC

“I am now having increasing difficulty trying to pay for my co-pays. I am getting ready to retire--- and am now fearful that I will not be able to afford healthcare.”   Washington, DC

“My wife and I have both been failed by the health care system. We had insurance and when each of us got a little sick, our finances got very sick. My daughter was failed by this system d/t lack of portability and eventually lost the ability to have any children. This country can do much better than at present. We need a patient driven system not the current profit driven system. ”   New York

“Healthcare is not an optional "benefit" only for those lucky enough to get it. We need a real change and we need it right now. I have a life-threatening disease that is covered by insurance. If I didn't have insurance, I could die. Simple. ”   Virginia

Share Your Experience

2009 GENERAL ASSEMBLY - PROGRESS ON HEALTH CARE REFORM

Anne Kasper, Chair, and Leni Preston, Vice Chair, celebrated as Governor O'Malley signed into law the Foster Kids Coverage Act [HB580 - introduced by Delegate Heather Mizeur (D-20)]. They were joined by a group of young people who will benefit from the provision to provide access to health insurance until the age of 21 for those aging out of the foster care system.

Other legislation that the Coalition successfully testified on included:

Four bills created regulatory changes in the insurance industry - SB79, HB32, HB39, HB235 and HB1280 continue to help Maryland make progress in health care reform.

HB500 targets the enrollment of eligible Baltimore city children for medical assistance programs.

Partners Working Together Say
YES, WE CAN!

If you are not a member, join the Coalition and encourage your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to do the same. There is no cost to join.

If an organization you work with is not a member encourage them to join and sign on to our Campaign pledge.

Join our Advocacy Action Team and let your legislators know how you feel about reform – information or contact us.

Have you or someone you know been adversely impacted by a lack of insurance or inadequate health care – please share those experiences with us. They will bring the issues home to our decision makers.

Most important, we want to hear from you – please share your ideas on how we can work together to make health care a reality for everyone in Maryland .