Posts from — September 2020
Prescription Drug Affordability Board held in Charles
September 29, 2020
In 2019, the Maryland General Assembly passed a bill creating the first Prescription Drug Affordability Board in the nation, regulating prescription drug costs. On Sept. 23, 2020, a board consisting of state dignitaries to provide oversight to citizens convened.... Read more »
Increase in alcohol tax could help address state’s health inequities
September 28, 2020
Many Maryland communities lack the health care resources they need, leading to stark health disparities. Our response is major new legislation to provide needed health care resources to Maryland communities that urgently need more services and better access to health care providers.... Read more »
Maryland lawmakers push for bill to reduce health care disparities
September 18, 2020
With the start of legislative session still four months away, some Maryland lawmakers are already preparing to present a bill before the General Assembly to reduce health care disparities in the state.... Read more »
Maryland lawmakers propose alcohol tax hike to address health disparities
September 17, 2020
Maryland lawmakers and health care advocates proposed increasing the state’s alcohol tax on Wednesday to generate millions of dollars to address health disparities, which have been highlighted by the coronavirus pandemic.... Read more »
Support Health Equity Resource Communities
Urge your legislators to support the creation of Health Equity Resource Communities, and join our coalition! ... Read more »
Maryland lawmakers propose alcohol tax hike for health plan
September 16, 2020
Under the proposal, areas with health disparities would be able to compete for grants and tax incentives. They would be called Health Equity Resource Communities.... Read more »
Maryland’s state lawmakers urge passage of legislation aimed at reducing health care disparities
Maryland’s state lawmakers teamed up with health care advocates and community leaders on Wednesday to urge the passage of legislation that is aimed at reducing disparities in care and would be funded by a 1% increase in the state’s alcohol tax.... Read more »
Media Statement: Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative Applauds Premium Rate Drop for Individual Health Insurance Plans for 3rd Year in a Row
September 15, 2020
We are thrilled that premium rates will drop for individual health insurance plans by double digits for the third year in a row thanks to Maryland's innovative reinsurance program. ... Read more »
Lawmakers, Advocates to Unveil Program to Reduce Health Care Disparities
September 14, 2020
The COVID pandemic has made it even more clear that certain communities, especially communities of color, do not have the healthcare resources they need, which leads to disturbing health disparities. This Health Equity Resource Communities initiative will direct significant new funding to these areas, a critically needed step for Maryland to build healthier communities for everybody.... Read more »