From Public News Service
By Diane Bernard
March 17, 2020
EXCERPT:
As the coronavirus outbreak worsens, Maryland has reopened its health insurance exchange to boost coverage and expand treatment for the uninsured. The state joins Washington and Massachusetts in offering a special sign-up period while the pandemic continues.
During this crisis, it’s essential that all uninsured people get coverage, according to Stephanie Klapper, deputy director at Maryland Health Care for All. She pointed out that a lot of folks without health insurance end up getting treated in emergency rooms, which could create chaos in the middle of a pandemic.
“It’s the most expensive place to get health care,” Klapper said. “But also, in a public health crisis like this, the emergency rooms could be overwhelmed by too many people needing health care at the same time.”
Last modified: March 17, 2020
