Howard County is the third wealthiest county in the nation, yet approximately 20,000 residents still remain uninsured with virtually no access to primary and preventive care. Lack of health care access is both an individual and societal burden.  The uninsured are less likely to receive preventive care, are diagnosed at more advanced disease stages, and once diagnosed, tend to receive less therapeutic care, and face significantly more medical debt compared to those with insurance. More than 80% of those who are uninsured are in working families.  All of us pay for the care of the uninsured through higher premiums set by our own health insurance companies. In Maryland alone, public and private sources spend an estimated $1 billion each year to cover the cost of care for the uninsured. In order to develop a model public health community, we created the Healthy Howard Initiative last fall and are now ready to commence enrollment into the first ever Healthy Howard Health Plan. The plan will provide direct access to a comprehensive network of health care services to eligible uninsured Howard County residents.

While we strongly believe that health care is a basic human right, we also feel it is a responsibility.  Members enrolled in the plan will pay a nominal monthly fee and be expected to work with a health coach. The health coach approach is intended to help each member overcome barriers to healthy living.  By working with the coach and his/her primary care provider, the participant will develop a health action plan with achievable goals. 

Over time we hope to demonstrate that providing access to comprehensive health services, combined with the support of a health coach and a health action plan, will indeed make a difference in the health status of our participants, as well as improve the community’s health. Inappropriate utilization of emergency room services and potentially preventable hospital stays are expected to decrease.  

Please educate yourself on the plan and spread the word to your neighbors, employees, friends and family members who may benefit.  Consider joining us as a partner to show your support.  Lastly, we thank you in advance for your encouragement and assistance as we implement this innovative program to connect county residents to the health care they need and deserve. If we succeed, we will be one step closer to creating a model public health community.

                              

Ken Ulman, Howard County Executive     Peter L. Beilenson, MD, MPH, Howard County Health Officer