During “Cover the Uninsured Week,” Maryland officials have announced that the state will receive $1.5 billion in federal funds to help do just that.
Martin O'Malley
Gov. Martin O’Malley announced that the funds, from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, commonly known as the federal stimulus package, will help expand health care programs, support community clinics, address the needs of underserved children and protect tens of thousands of healthcare jobs.
“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,” O’Malley said in a statement. “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.”
U.S. Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, added that families in the state are hurting given the current economy, but “healthcare should be a right for all Americans.”
“I am pleased that the economic recovery package includes funding to help low-income Marylanders continue to receive health care through Medicaid,” he said. “It also provides a substantial subsidy for workers who have been laid off so they can continue to pay for health care coverage.”
During national “Cover the Uninsured Week,” Maryland’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, hospitals, local health departments and community clinics are promoting healthcare programs and services as well as enrolling eligible children and families into existing coverage options.
“This timely investment in health care means Maryland can continue to serve those who need help most,” said DHMH Secretary John M. Colmers. “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 national stimulus plan is expected to provide funding to create or save 66,000 Maryland jobs over the next two years, including doctors, nurses and other health care workers throughout Maryland, O’Malley said.
Maryland receives $1.5 billion in federal funds for health care initiatives via IFAwebnews .