Press Release

Office of the Governor

Governor O'Malley Announces Approximately $1.5 Billion In American Recovery And Reinvestment Funds To Protect Maryland's Health Care Safety Net

Makes Announcement in Recognition of National "Cover the Uninsured Week"

 

Media Contacts:
Shaun Adamec Office: 410-974-2316 Cell: 410-919-3206	Christine Hansen Office: 410-974-2316 Cell: 443-336-5270

Baltimore, MD (March 23, 2009) - Governor Martin O'Malley today, joined by U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Secretary John M. Colmers, and other state and local healthcare leaders, today highlighted the nearly $1.5 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to protect Maryland's healthcare safety net.  These funds will help fortify Maryland's expanded health care program, support community clinics, address the needs of underserved children and protect tens of thousands of healthcare jobs.

"Thanks to the leadership of President Obama and Maryland's federal delegation, Maryland is receiving nearly $1.5 billion in federal
Medicaid resources to cover the healthcare costs of thousands of Maryland families," Governor O'Malley said. "More and more people are either having their work hours cut, or are losing their jobs altogether - and too often are forced to choose between putting food on the table or seeing a doctor. Because of these dollars, and because of the investments we've already made, Maryland's health care safety net
remains strong and stable - even during this national economic crisis."

"Maryland families are hurting as we face the most serious economic downturn in decades," said U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin, a member of the Senate Budget Committee. "Healthcare should be a right for all Americans, and I am pleased that the economic recovery package includes funding to help low-income Marylanders continue to receive health care through Medicaid. It also provides a substantial subsidy for workers who have been laid off so they can continue to pay for health care coverage."

Governor O'Malley made the announcement at Maryland's kick-off for national "Cover the Uninsured Week", a statewide effort by DHMH, hospitals, local health departments and community clinics to promote healthcare programs and services and to enroll eligible families and children into existing programs.

"This timely investment in health care means Maryland can continue to serve those who need help most," said John M. Colmers, DHMH Secretary.  "Without these funds provided by our health care champions in Congress and the White House, over 50,000 people could lose the coverage they now have under our Medicaid program. The number of people who need our help is likely to grow as we struggle to recover from the loss of jobs and healthcare benefits."

"The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will create and save 66,000 Maryland jobs over the next two years," added Gov. O'Malley. "This includes doctors, nurses and thousands of other health care workers who are able to continue to save lives and treat the sick and injured throughout Maryland thanks to this investment."

Maryland's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act website can be found at http://www.recovery.maryland.gov/. The website is maintained by StateStat, Governor O'Malley's performance-measurement and management program implemented to make our state government more accountable and more efficient. StateStat was recently honored by the Pew Center for the States as a model for tracking performance and accountability within state government.  Maryland was one of four states in the nation that "are leaders in measuring the performance of government programs. And by using those measurements to drive smart budget cuts and new spending they are creating the foundation for a better economic and fiscal future."  StateStat is currently working with State agencies to monitor projects, track job growth and job preservation. StateStat analysts will continue to update the site as more information comes out on the Reinvestment Plan.