HEALTH CARE REFORM COORDINATING COUNCIL TO HOLD FIRST MEETING

Lt. Governor Brown and Health Secretary Colmers co-chair; New Web site launched as work begins to expand access, improve quality and control costs

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (May 5, 2010) – The Health Care Reform Coordinating Council (Council) will hold its first meeting tomorrow afternoon in Annapolis in the Department of Legislative Services Joint Hearing Room. The Council, created by Governor O’Malley days after President Obama signed national health reform legislation, will lead the State’s efforts to implement new federal standards in an effective and efficient manner. In advance of tomorrow’s meeting, the Council today launched a new Web site – www.healthreform.maryland.gov – to provide Marylanders with opportunities to comment on State implementation plans. A full schedule of meetings and additional information about federal reform and the Council’s work can also be found at the Web site.

The Council is co-chaired by Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown and Health and Mental Hygiene Secretary John M. Colmers and is comprised of officials from across State governments, including Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler, Budget and Management Secretary T. Eloise Foster and Acting Insurance Commissioner Beth Sammis. Senators Thomas “Mac” Middleton and Edward J. Kasemeyer, along with Delegates Peter Hammen and James W. Hubbard will also serve on the Council.

Health initiatives implemented by the O’Malley-Brown administration, including legislation that closed the Medicaid “donut hole” and expanded health care for families and children, positions Maryland to implement reform better than most states and save taxpayers millions of dollars.

Lt. Governor Brown leads the O’Malley-Brown administration’s efforts on a range of issues, including health care. Brown led this year’s effort to pass the Medicaid False Claims Act and establish Patient Medical Homes, he chairs the Maryland Health Quality and Cost Council and has championed efforts to expand access to mental and behavioral health services for Maryland’s veterans.

WHAT: First Maryland Health Reform Coordinating Council Meeting

WHEN: TOMORROW, Thursday, May 6, 2010 – 1:00 PM

WHERE: Joint Hearing Room, Department of Legislative Services Building, Annapolis

WHO: Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown, Co-chair
Health & Mental Hygiene Secretary John M. Colmers, Co-chair

ADDITIONAL MEMBERS: Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler
Senator Thomas “Mac” Middleton
Senator Edward J. Kasemeyer
Delegate Peter Hammen
Delegate James W. Hubbard
Budget and Management Secretary T. Eloise Foster
Acting Insurance Commissioner Beth Sammis
Carolyn Quattrocki (Governor’s Appointee)
Marilyn Moon, Ph.D. (Chair, Maryland Health Care Commission)
Donald A. Young, M.D. (Chair, Health Service Cost Review Commission)