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NEWS RELEASE

April 7, 2008

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Ulman Pleased With Unanimous, Bi-Partisan Support for Healthy Howard Bill (HB 872/SB 852)

ELLICOTT CITY, MD - Howard County Executive Ken Ulman is pleased to announce that House Bill 872, cross-filed as Senate Bill 852, which creates a regulatory framework for the establishment and operation of a public/private health care program was passed unanimously by both the Maryland Senate and the House of Delegates this past Friday, April 4. The legislation, sponsored by Howard County Delegate Shane Pendergrass and Senator Ed Kasemeyer, allows Howard County Government to work with Healthy Howard, Inc., a non-profit, to bring affordable access to health care to as many as 2,000 uninsured residents in its first year of service.

“I am overwhelmed by the unanimous, bi-partisan support we received,” said Executive Ulman. “Throughout this process we have been supported by many groups, both public and private. Having the Maryland General Assembly unanimously support our plan is wonderful and a great tribute to Dr. Beilenson and his staff’s incredible hard work.”

This bill establishes what a “public private health care program” is: a program operated and established by a non-profit corporation that is certified by the Maryland Insurance Commissioner and has entered into a written agreement with each county in which the program has proposed to operate, and provides or arranges for health care services for participants for a fee.

"It is only right for the General Assembly and others to support innovative programs like Healthy Howard in their attempt to address today's health care problems locally," said Ralph Tyler, Maryland Insurance Commissioner. "Healthy Howard will hopefully be a help to county citizens living in a tough economy, and the Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) looks forward to working with the program for the benefit of consumers."

The Healthy Howard Plan will offer primary care services, deeply discounted prescription drugs, in- and out-patient hospital care, and specialty care services. To qualify, Howard County residents must make 300 percent of the poverty level or below, have been uninsured for one year and have legally resided in the County for one year. The enrollment goal for the first year of the program is 2,000 participants.

The innovative approach to the Healthy Howard Plan also places emphasis on personal responsibility. The County believes that health care is both a right and a responsibility, and to that end, plan participants will be assigned health coaches to assist in achieving health and wellness goals.

Another unique aspect of this program is that it does not rely solely on taxpayers and government. “Partnerships with community organizations, including Howard County General Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Chase Brexton Group Practice, Aetna Insurance and The Horizon Foundation, are making this program possible,” said Dr. Beilenson.