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Governor O'Malley, Washington Redskins' Chris Samuels Unveil New PSA to Encourage Medicaid Enrollment |
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(Photos by Laura Pleines) Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, Redskins offensive tackle Chris Samuels, and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield President & CEO Chet Burrell addressed health care advocates in Greenbelt, Maryland, to encourage uninsured Marylanders to dial 2-1-1 From the Office of Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley
GREENBELT, MD (October 13, 2009) – Governor Martin O'Malley today joined Chris Samuels of the Washington Redskins, U.S. Congresswoman Donna Edwards, health care advocates and other state and local leaders in announcing a new PSA to encourage eligible Washington metro residents to enroll in the new Medicaid expansion, "Medical Assistance for Families." The landmark legislation, which expands medical coverage to more than 100,000 uninsured Marylanders, went into effect July 1, 2008. To date, 47,781 Marylanders statewide have enrolled in the Medical Assistance for Families program since becoming law last year.
"As the debate on healthcare reform continues in our country, we must lead by example by continuing to expand healthcare coverage to our working families, our small businesses, our seniors, and our children in our own State," said Governor O'Malley. "It is an honor to be here with Chris Samuels of the Redskins to launch the 'got healthcare' campaign and to let Marylanders know that they can get affordable, quality health care through Medical Assistance for Families. This campaign helps raise awareness so that even more uninsured Maryland families get the health coverage they deserve."
"Living without health insurance is like playing football without pads and a helmet," said Secretary John M. Colmers, Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. "You might get away with it for a little while, but it will surely catch up with you."
The PSA campaign, sponsored by Maryland Health Care For All, AARP and Carefirst Blue Cross Blue Shield, includes a radio spot featuring Chris Samuels, Offensive Tackle for the Washington Redskins and Governor O'Malley.
The ads, using the theme "got health care?" urge uninsured area residents to call 211 to get enrolled in the new expanded Medicaid made possible by the 2007 Governor's Working Families and Small Business Health Care Coverage Act.
Uninsured Maryland residents outside of the Washington region can learn more about health coverage options by visiting the state's Get Healthcare website at www.dhmh.state.md.us/gethealthcare.
The radio ads will be played on five area radio stations, including: WTOP-FM 103.5, WHUR-FM 96.3, WMMJ-FM 102.3, WKYS-FM 93.9, WPRS-FM 104.1, WPGC-FM 95.5, the Washington Redskins Radio Network, ESPN 980 – Sports (Also simulcast on 92.7FM and 94.3FM), and ESPN Deportes 730.
"This new health care expansion is terrific for the people of Maryland," said Chris Samuels of the Washington Redskins. "We at the Redskins will do all we can to help Governor O'Malley get the message out that all folks have to do is call 211 to get enrolled."
Governor O'Malley and Chris Samuels were joined by Vincent DeMarco, President of the Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative, Ron Pollack of Families USA, Chet Burrell of CareFirst, Tiffany Lundquist of AARP, and Carmela Coyle of the Maryland Hospital Association.
"We commend Governor Martin O'Malley for his leadership in bringing Maryland to the forefront in health care expansion and smoking reduction in our nation," said Vincent DeMarco, President of the Maryland Citizens' Health Initiative. "We also commend the Governor and Chris Samuels of the Washington Redskins for helping us to make sure Marylanders know they can call 211 to find out if they are eligible for state health care programs."
"Families USA applauds the work of Governor O'Malley and the Maryland General Assembly to expand coverage to thousands of hard-working Marylanders - who play by the rules, work hard, and now can have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that they can afford to see a doctor, pick-up a prescription, and get the health care they need," said Ron Pollack, Executive Director, Families USA. "We are excited to be part of this new outreach and enrollment effort that will make a lot more folks 'good receivers' of the message about help with 'catching' affordable insurance coverage! Thank you to the Redskins. And we hope that this model of outreach in Maryland will inspire similar touchdown efforts in other states."
"Efforts such as this play a critical role in expanding access to health care and have the additional benefit of reducing the uncompensated care burden on hospitals, which affect us all," said CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield President and CEO Chet Burrell. "We are proud to join Governor O'Malley and the Washington Redskins in supporting this worthy program."
This campaign was made possible by CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, AARP, and the Consumer Health Foundation. The Maryland Hospital Association grants for the posters.
In addition to the healthcare expansion, Governor O'Malley signed legislation that provides prescription drug assistance for thousands of Maryland's seniors, by helping close the coverage gap in the federal government's Medicare Part D prescription drug program, known as the "donut hole." Governor O'Malley also signed legislation that expanded dental benefits to Maryland's most vulnerable children. This year, he kicked off a dental tour with the Deamonte Driver Dental Project and Kool Smiles to expand access to quality, affordable dental care to more Maryland children.
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