CUMBERLAND, MD (October 9, 2008) – In an effort to spread the word about benefits made possible through Governor Martin O’Malley’s Working Families and Small Business Coverage Act, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) Secretary John M. Colmers today met with local government officials and members of the community. 

"Maryland is making progress in its health care expansion efforts," Secretary Colmers said.  "We are working with our local partners to spread the word that more working families and small businesses can now get the health care they need through Medical Assistance for Families and the Health Insurance Partnership." 

Allegany County Health Officer Dr. Sue Raver introduced Secretary Colmers to Ms. Angel Brown who now has benefits through the Act and to Adrienne Summers, a small business owner who now has health care coverage through her small business.   

“Affordable health insurance is a statewide problem that is a prominent issue in Allegany County and all of Western Maryland,” Dr. Raver said.  “Thanks to the hard work of Governor O’Malley and Secretary Colmers, Ms. Brown, staff at Adrienne’s Flower Delights, and many others like them in this part of the state now have access to quality health care.” 

Secretary Colmers presented Ms. Brown, a beneficiary through Medical Assistance for Families, with her Maryland Medical Assistance Card.  Her daughter Beatrice accompanied Ms. Brown to the event.  They live in Cumberland. 

Ms. Summers, who owns Adrienne’s Flower Delights in Jefferson, Frederick County, is a mother who has been able to secure coverage for herself and her two children through the Health Insurance Partnership.   

The Working Families and Small Business Health Coverage Act is divided into two sections: Medical Assistance to Families, a Medicaid expansion that provides eligible parents with comprehensive health care; and the Health Insurance Partnership, designed to help lower the cost of health insurance for very small employers.