MEDIA ADVISORY Contact: Vincent DeMarco
October 27, 2021
WHAT: News Conference to highlight launch of Open Enrollment and new state subsidies that make health insurance more affordable for Marylanders, particularly young adults ages 18-34
WHO: Howard County Executive Calvin Ball
Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich
Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner
Harford County Executive Barry Glassman
Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott (video remarks)
Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Jr. (video remarks)
Michele Eberle, Executive Director, Maryland Health Benefit Exchange
Sen. Brian Feldman, Lead sponsor of premium subsidy legislation
Del. Kenneth P. Kerr, Lead sponsor of premium subsidy legislation
Vincent DeMarco, President, Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative
WHEN: Thursday, October 28, 2021,11 a.m.
WHERE: 9401 Frederick Road, Ellicott City, Maryland
NOTE: This event is in-person. A live-stream will also be available on the Howard County Executive Facebook Page.
A new state subsidy will make health insurance far more affordable for young adults ages 18-34 as Maryland’s Open Enrollment period launches Nov. 1st. That will be the message at an Oct. 28 news conference featuring local leaders, legislators and advocates. For example, a 28-year-old in Howard County earning $30,000 per year can sign up on November 1 for a gold health care plan in 2022 for as little $1 per month, previously this plan would cost $70 per month.
Legislation enacted by the Maryland General Assembly sponsored by Senator Brian Feldman and Delegate Ken Kerr allocates $20 million to bring down the cost of health insurance for people ages 18-34 with low and moderate incomes. While Maryland has brought down the rate of people without health insurance significantly, that age group continues to have higher uninsured rates, with disparities by race and ethnicity. The new state financial assistance will bring down premium costs significantly for people in that age group.
Plus, financial assistance under the American Rescue Plan means that health coverage will be more affordable for all age groups.
“We want our young adults in Howard County to know they can now access extremely affordable, good health insurance,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “Subsidies are available to most people in the 18 to 34 age bracket, and we urge everyone to sign up for health insurance during the state’s Open Enrollment period.”
“The last year and a half has been a stark reminder of how important it is to have health insurance,” said Michele Eberle, executive director of the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, which oversees the state’s online insurance marketplace, Maryland Health Connection. “9 out of 10 Marylanders who enroll get financial help to pay for their health coverage. This year, we are focused on getting that word out to young adults, many of whom will get extra savings.”
“We want to make sure that all people in Prince George’s County and across the state know that affordable health insurance is now available –and that is especially true for young adults,” said Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. “I urge all young adults to take advantage of these new subsidies and sign up now for coverage. They will sleep better at night knowing they are protected if they face a health problem.”
“As this pandemic rages on as well as the thousands of ailments, accidents, and illness that can be encountered, it is more important than ever for young adults to enroll for health care coverage,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “Ensuring that all Montgomery County and Maryland residents are covered with insurance is a critical health and equity goal of mine along with all of the leaders of the State’s largest jurisdictions. We are very appreciative of the work of Montgomery County’s own Senator Brian Feldman along with Del. Ken Kerr and the Maryland General Assembly for providing these critical funds to reduce health insurance costs. I am also thankful for the advocacy and outreach of the Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative, Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, and their community partners throughout our State for consistently fighting to make us the healthiest state in this nation.”
“Too many young adults feel invincible and have gone without health insurance in the past,” said Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner. “I urge them to reconsider, as insurance coverage is now extremely affordable for them. We want everybody in Frederick County and Maryland to be covered, and this new state program will help us get there.”
“The state has taken an important step to establish new subsidies to bring down the cost of health insurance for young adults,” said Harford County Executive Barry Glassman. “People in that age bracket may have been reluctant to sign up, but they should know that premium costs are now far lower, thanks to these new subsidies. I hope many will take advantage of these subsidies and enroll in a plan to make sure they access to good health care.”
“People without health insurance have an opportunity to sign up for coverage beginning November 1st and I urge all Marylanders to take advantage,” said Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman. “We need to spread the word that premium costs are extremely affordable for young adults – and for all Marylanders who needs coverage.”
“Health insurance is now more affordable for young adults, thanks to new subsidies approved by the General Assembly this year,” said Sen. Brian Feldman, who led the Senate effort to create the subsidies. “We urge Marylanders, especially those age 18 to 34, to sign up for insurance during the Open Enrollment period. When more people sign up for insurance, costs come down for everybody.”
“We are proud of the new health insurance subsidies and want to spread the word about them to young adults across the state,” said Del. Kenneth P. Kerr, the lead House sponsor of the premium subsidy legislation. “Having health insurance gives you peace of mind, and coverage is more affordable than ever in Maryland. We hope young people will take a good look at the cost and make the smart decision to get insured.”
“This is a great opportunity for uninsured Marylanders to get affordable health insurance coverage, which will also improve health equity in our state,” said Vincent DeMarco, president of the Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative, which is hosting the event. “Our message is simple: good health insurance is cheaper than you think, and that is especially true for young adults, thanks to the work of the Maryland General Assembly. We also thank President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and the United States Congress for the additional federal health care subsidies which greatly strengthen the Affordable Care Act. This year, even people with higher incomes will get savings for the first time, thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act.”
Last modified: May 3, 2022
