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November 17, 2008
Maryland county's healthcare program suspends enrollment sessions amid flood of applicants
The Baltimore Sun (11/13) reported, "After just a few enrollment sessions," Howard County, Maryland's "new health access program for the uninsured attracted so many applicants that sign-up sessions were suspended so staff members could catch up."
Healthy Howard is aimed at offering "access to affordable, comprehensive healthcare to the roughly 20,000 limited-income county residents who are uninsured." In the first year, officials anticipated "to enroll about 2,200 people."
According to county health officer Dr. Peter L. Beilenson, enrollment sessions "were so well attended that the sign-ups were suspended," and "enrollment efforts will be redirected." To date, "fewer than half the applications received have been fully processed." The program will now rely on "community-based enrollment, meaning residents can apply at locations throughout the county."
Next month, advertising for Healthy Howard "will be targeted at small-business owners who can't afford to provide health insurance for their workers," Beilenson added.
Related Links:
- "A health care 'deluge'," Larry carson, Baltimore Sun, November 13, 2008.
Posted by admin at November 17, 2008 12:07 PM