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Women, working together will make Maryland a national leader - with health care that is always there for everyone!
Be A Health Care Reformer – Join Us Now!

You did it! With just one and half hours to go in the 2008 Maryland General Assembly session, the Kids First Act passed and is on its way to the Governor for his signature.

This important legislation means that the 90,000 children in our state who are eligible for public programs (Medicaid or Maryland Children's Health Program – MCHP) but not now enrolled will have a better chance of getting access to the health coverage they need.

The Kids First Act, HB 1391, was sponsored by Delegate Heather Mizeur (District 20). Its key elements are:

• A check off box on state income tax forms where families may indicate if they have health insurance for their children. Based on the information gathered,
• The distribution of applications and enrollment instructions on Medicaid and the Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP) to eligible families.
• An annual study by the Comptroller's Office and the Maryland Health Care Commission on the status of the outreach effort.
• Study with recommendations to increase the availability and affordability of health care coverage for children with family income that exceeds 300% of the federal poverty level.

To those who worked to put Maryland 's children first we thank you, particularly, Delegates Peter A. Hammen and Heather Mizeur of the House Health and Government Operations Committee and Senators Thomas M. Middleton and Rob Garagiola of the Senate Finance Committee.

On Sunday, February 24th more than 70 dedicated health care reformers convened at the Coalition's Leadership Forum. Speakers included Anne Kasper, Chair, Delegate Healther Mizeur and Dr. Susan Wood, former Assistant Commissioner for Women's health and Director of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Office of Women's Health.

The Maryland Women's Coalition for Health Care Reform has launched its Cover All Kids Campaign. As the richest state in the nation, Maryland should ensure that our most vulnerable - children - have this basic human right.

Learn more about the current state of uninsured kids in Maryland, why we should cover all kids, how we can pay for it and how you can help.

Our Legislative Goal for 2008.  Work with our legislators to enroll the 90,000 kids eligible but not yet enrolled in public programs. We will support legislation that reduces barriers to enrollment, simplifies and speeds enrollment, keeps kids enrolled, and assures them access to providers of health care services. Learn more about our 2008 goal.

You can help these 90,000 kids. Convince your legislators that coverage for all kids can't wait and that you want legislation passed in 2008. When we send Alerts write to your legislators and visit them in Annapolis, if possible. Legislators pay attention to their constituents. An email or letter can make a big difference!

To learn more or join our efforts contact our Vice Chair, Leni Preston lenipreston@verizon.net.

You are key to our success.  Please join our organization and sign up for our free email newsletters and alerts so you will get the news as soon as it is available.