Health Care Expansion: Closing the Gap of Health Disparities Peter A. Hammen House of Delegates, District 46 Maryland General Assembly Chairman, Health and Government Operations Committee 7th National Conference on Quality Health Care for Culturally Diverse Populations Baltimore, Maryland October 21, 2010

Recent Successes SB 6 (2007 Special Session) – Expanded Medicaid to 116% of the Federal Poverty Level for parents – Phase in of the expansion of Medicaid to childless adults has been delayed due to budget constraints – As of today, over 150,000 people have health insurance as a result of this expansion

Recent Successes HB 739 (2009) – Added substance abuse benefits to the Primary Adult Care Program, a program that provides primary care, prescription drugs, and specialty mental health treatment to childless adults under 116% of the Federal Poverty Level – Existing resources already in the system were redirected to fund this expansion – Over 40,000 people now have access to substance abuse treatment

Moving Forward Health Reform at the National Level – Expands Medicaid to 133% of the Federal Poverty Level – No longer allowed to exclude for pre-existing conditions – Health insurance tax credits for the uninsured and assistance for small businesses

Implementation in Maryland Health Reform Coordinating Council – Appointed to represent the House of Delegates – Tasked with implementing the federal legislation in Maryland Special needs and safety net populations – As part of this effort, I have asked for a report on the various safety net programs available, how they overlap, and where there are gaps – The intention is to ensure that gaps are closed and access to quality care is provided to all

Contact Information Delegate Peter A. Hammen Maryland General Assembly 6 Bladen Street, Room 241 Annapolis, MD (410) (410)