Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin and Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown kicked off the 2nd Anniversary Week of the Affordable Care Act by joining leadership from the Maryland Health Insurance Plan (MHIP), Congressman John Sarbanes, Congresswoman Donna Edwards, health care representatives, community members and state and local officials to announce the launch of a new marketing campaign designed to boost awareness of the federal insurance options offered by the Maryland Health Insurance Plan, a state and federally funded health insurance program for individuals who cannot obtain health insurance because of a pre-existing medical condition.
“The top goal in passing health care reform is to ensure that all Americans have access to affordable, quality health care coverage,” said Senator Cardin, who voted for passage of the Affordable Care Act. “Marylanders are fortunate that our state has become a national leader in setting up health care options for those with pre-existing conditions through the Maryland Health Insurance Plan. Marylanders need to know that health care coverage is available – regardless of their health care status.”
The new comprehensive campaign is aimed at raising awareness about the MHIP Federal program throughout Maryland, with the goal of increasing applications and covering more Marylanders in need. Comprised of widespread advertising through mediums such as television, radio, outdoor signage and online, social media marketing, public relations outreach and direct community engagement, this campaign will reach potentially eligible enrollees across the state, Marylanders who are unable to obtain health insurance because of a pre-existing medical condition.
“As we reach the 2nd anniversary of the signing of the Affordable Care Act this week, Maryland has become a national leader in implementing health care reform because we understand reform will reduce costs, increase access, and improve the quality of care for all Marylanders,” said Lt. Governor Brown. “Coverage for those who have been denied insurance due to a pre-existing condition is one of the key benefits already available. This campaign will increase awareness about MHIP Federal in order to provide life-saving health care coverage to more Marylanders and help bridge the gap until Maryland’s Health Benefit Exchange is operational in 2014. I would like to thank our partners at MHIP for their hard work to provide coverage to more Marylanders, as well as Maryland’s Congressional Delegation for their leadership in supporting the ACA and securing the critical funds that have made MHIP Federal possible.”
Launched in September 2010 as part of ACA, the Maryland Health Insurance Plan’s Federal program provides individuals with a qualifying medical condition with day-one comprehensive coverage for their illness and related medical needs. MHIP Federal is funded by $85 million in federal dollars made available through the ACA.
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