Maryland's Health Care Reform Coordinating Council

All Marylanders should have access to affordable health care, but for thousands of our neighbors this opportunity has been out of reach for far too long.  The passage of federal health care reform provides Maryland an opportunity to advance reforms that have eluded our country for generations and improve the health and well-being of all Marylanders.

We commend the Governor for creating the Health Care Reform Coordinating Council and entrusting us to lead this critical effort.  Meaningful reform depends on successful implementation at the state level and the Council’s job is to effectively implement federal reform in a way that makes a real difference in the lives of all Marylanders.  The Council will thoughtfully consider and analyze the many policy choices and implementation decisions federal reform presents and make recommendations to the Governor on how best to improve quality and reduce costs. 

The Council will build on the many strengths of Maryland’s health care delivery system, leverage federal and other funding opportunities, and engage the public and health care professionals to gain their input.  Federal health care reform challenges us to blend competent, effective government with the skills, experience and needs of the community. Neither government nor the private sector can do it alone. We invite you to be a part of the process by exploring this website designed to share the work of the Council, gain feedback from the public, and provide transparency in the decision making process.   

Through our strong partnerships, we will increase access and improve quality. Together, we will implement reform and ensure that we do it right, so that every possible penny is saved, and every possible benefit is made available to all. And together, we look forward to making Maryland a national leader in this effort.

Anthony G. Brown,
Lieutenant Governor
 
John Colmers,
Secretary, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene