Deadline Today for Network Adequacy Comments
We have worked with our partners to make sure that the consumers' needs are reflected in the  network adequacy regulations  currently being written by the Maryland Insurance Administration. To address that, we have developed a comprehensive   set of recommendations  that were discussed on last Friday's webinar. When we send these comments to the MIA on Thursday, we want as many signatures on them as possible.

To do that, we need your help. Add your organization's name to the growing list of supporters. That will demonstrate broad support for strong quantitative standards to ensure that provider networks are truly adequate to meet consumers' needs.


Elections Matter
On this morning after, we look forward to working with our newly elected Congressional Delegation, Maryland's legislators and the Hogan Administration as we continue to secure the full promise of the Affordable Care Act for our fellow residents. As we have said before, health care is a right and not a privilege and each Marylander deserves full and equal access to affordable, comprehensive and high-quality care. This will be our highest priority moving forward. This won't be easy and it will require effective collaborations with our current partners, even as we forge new relationships. Please, let us know what your highest priority issues are as you look to the future.

We will be formulating our agenda and sharing that with you. Before then we thought you might be interested in this  free webinar tomorrow, Nov. 10th from 2:00 - 3:00 PM. Hosted by The Daily Record,  four of the most respected thought leaders in Maryland will analyze the election results and their impact on our state.The issue of health care will be addressed by Carmel Roques, CEO of Keswick. For more information, and to register, click here.

Maryland's fourth Open Enrollment period started on November 1st with a significant increase in enrollments over last year. Despite that individuals are facing challenges. These include:
  • Affordability: We have been receiving emails from individuals facing hefty price increases and who are not eligible for a subsidy.  Consumer Health First will continue to seek long-term solutions to this complex issue even as we speak out for the interests of consumers. View our Executive Director address rate increases on WBAL.
  • Evergreen Health:  We have reported before on the challenges faced by those who have previously enrolled in their plans or who would like to do so for 2017.  We all await a determination by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as to Evergreen's proposal to move from a Co-Operative to a for profit carrier. We hope that decision will be made very soon. 
  • Open Enrollment Events:
    • For a complete list of Open Enrollment Events, visit the OE event calendar at the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange.
  • Health Literacy Tools:

Mark Your Calendars

Tuesday, November 29:Make Consumer Health First your very first donation on Giving Tuesday - the day on which millions across the country log on and give to their favorite non-profit! If you just can't wait - make a donation today. Donations are tax deductible.

          Thursday, December 1st:  Adventist Health Care's Center for             Health Equity and Wellness  is hosting a fall conference                     entitled:  "Beyond Four Walls: Partnerships to Transform               Community Health" , from 2:00 - 3:00 PM at the Marriott in               Hyattsville. Early Bird registration is $69 until 11/21.
           Register now!

Friday December 9: Count down to the Holidays with us at Ibhana Boutique in Potomac, MD. Join us for light refreshments and great shopping from 4:00 - 8:00 PM, and 20% of all sales will benefit Consumer Health First.
For the latest information visit our  Website   
 
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