August 30, 2019
Opioid Funding and Legal Fights Take Center Stage 
Maryland counties and local programs are getting a $10 million state dollar boost to help fight the opioid epidemic. Meanwhile, governments from Maryland and across America have filed suit against opioid drug manufacturers. A breakthrough judgment in Oklahoma might be a game-changer. Could OK’s novel "public nuisance" approach trigger an acceleration of the major, consolidated federal cases by governments across the country?
Conduit Street has your coverage: Oklahoma Ruling | State Launch | Podcast
Winter Conference is Coming - December 4-6, 2019 - and the deadline for session proposals is quickly approaching. Submit your proposals by September 13!


Conduit Street Podcast Corner:
On the latest episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson, Kevin Kinnally, and Natasha Mehu discuss the latest news and notes from Annapolis, including the highly anticipated ruling in Oklahoma’s landmark opioid lawsuit targeting Johnson & Johnson – and what it means for the thousands of state and local governments with similar claims, new details on possible locations for a second Chesapeake Bay crossing, and a recap of last week's meeting of the Kirwan Commission's Funding Formula Workgroup.
Listen to any MACo Podcast Episode: www.mdcounties.org/Podcast
Counties In Action
Frederick Chamber of Commerce launches SHE week, a celebration of women in business.
Harford seeks volunteers to help build wheelchair inclusive costumes for Halloween event.
Worcester seeks volunteers to participate in annual International Coast Cleanup day, September 7.

Corporate Partner Corner

MACo Platinum Corporate Partner The Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT) is sponsoring a new program allowing your county to offer comprehensive Post-65 retiree healthcare benefits and services to your future retirees.

Highlights of the program for future retirees:
  •  Provides a concierge level services so future retirees can understand their healthcare options once they reach age 65
  • Provides access to Medicare Benefit Specialist to help retirees understand Medicare and supplemental plan options
  • Offers retirees comprehensive plan options, not available to them in the individual marketplace
  • Experience Benefit Specialist can assist retirees to find the right plan to fit their personal needs
Highlights of the program for Maryland Local Governments:
  •  No cost to employer – Plan can be offered on a voluntary basis
  • No administrative burden – AmWINS handles all administration of the program
  • No Financial Liability
2020 Open Enrollment will be here before you know it:
  •  For 2020 coverage, Open Enrollment will run from October 15th to December 7th
  • If you would like to offer this Voluntary Retiree Benefit to your current and future retirees, AmWINS representatives will be able to assist you in setting up this program

For more information, see our post on the Conduit Street blog.

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