Mar 5, 2009
Richard Simon
Daily Record

Legislators and representatives from CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield unveiled companion bills Wednesday aimed at providing health care for more than 800,000 Maryland residents who are uninsured, the second piece of legislation of its kind introduced this session.

Titled the Health Care Affordability Act, Senate Bill 515 and House Bill 860, sponsored by Sen. Thomas M. Middleton, D-Charles, and Del. Peter A. Hammen, D-Baltimore City, respectively, would require Maryland residents to obtain insurance and employers to offer coverage for their workers.

Organizers said they hope that the "Healthy Maryland" plan will offer health coverage to every Maryland resident regardless of health status or pre-existing conditions.

Massachusetts is the only state that has successfully passed universal health care legislation.

Organizers said 75 percent of the money that would fund the program would come from premiums.

Chet Burrell, CareFirst president and CEO, said the Healthy Maryland program could be self-sustaining for as many as 10 years from premiums, which could range from as little as $25 per month to a little more than $250 per month for the average member, depending on the subscriber's income.

The Senate bill was discussed in the Senate Finance Committee Wednesday afternoon, and is seen as a starting point, according to experts familiar with the situation.

"We're just at the beginning of this, and we look forward to working through the spring, the summer and into the fall on really examining what the issues are and what the best approaches might be with the idea so that when we reach the fall, perhaps by clarifying language in the legislation, an entire bill can be put together that best fits what Maryland's needs are," said Burrell, who added that it's an issue that will not go away.

The other universal health care plan, called the Maryland Citizens' Health Initiative, was first proposed by Vincent DeMarco of Maryland Health Care for All in November.

DeMarco's plan has been introduced in both the Senate and House through Senate Bill 813 and House Bill 951. The Senate bill, sponsored by Sen. Verna L. Jones, D-Baltimore City, is scheduled to be heard on March 18.

DeMarco, who testified before the Finance Committee Wednesday, said he is thrilled that there are two universal health care bills that have been presented.

"We have talked and we're thrilled that they are doing what they are doing," DeMarco said. "As [Middleton] said, nothing is going to pass this year, but we are building for the future."

In a statement read to the committee, DeMarco strongly urged

lawmakers to look closely at both SB 813 and SB 515 so that the parties can work together toward the common goal of quality, affordable health care for all Marylanders.

Although the bills have many similarities, DeMarco's Health Care Affordability Act differs from CareFirst's Healthy Maryland Act in that one of the former's primary sources of funding is from business contributions through a 2 percent payroll tax. DeMarco said premiums would decrease as a result.

Health care leaders expect a continuing debate on both bills heading into next year's General Assembly and foresee universal health care as a top issue in 2010.

"There's a lot of work to be done," Burrell said.