FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

BALTIMORE, MD (November 6, 2008) – Governor Martin O’Malley, Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown and Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) Secretary John M. Colmers today met with representatives of several small Montgomery County businesses to spread the word about benefits made possible through the Health Insurance Partnership. 

The Health Insurance Partnership, part of Governor O’Malley’s Working Families and Small Business Coverage Act, is designed to help lower the cost of health insurance for very small employers. 

“Affordable health care, which has been out of reach for many Marylanders for far too long, is an especially difficult issue for small businesses,” Governor O’Malley said.  “This partnership helps to demonstrate our commitment to make Maryland a national leader in expanding access to quality, affordable healthcare.” 

State officials say there is still ample room for growth in this new initiative that offers employers and employees a choice of plans designed to encourage healthy lifestyle choices.  

“Only about half of Maryland’s small businesses offer health insurance to their workers, and that number declines for even smaller companies,” Lt. Governor Brown said.  “Every small business needs to know that this partnership among the state, small employers and employees lowers the cost of health coverage and makes health insurance a real, affordable option.” 

The Governor, Lt. Governor and Secretary met with Gus Amaro of Amcon, Inc., who has a small business in Gaithersburg that specializes in residential concrete.  Mr. Amaro has six full time employees and is ready to enroll in the initiative. 

“The partnership among small businesses and the state can make a real difference in the lives of many working Marylanders and their families,” Secretary Colmers said.  “Gus Amaro has decided to join and I hope many other small businesses follow his example.” 

Mara Gasana attended the event representing Business Community Synergies of Rockville, a small business that is already participating in the Health Insurance Partnership.  Representatives from other Gaithersburg small businesses also met with the Governor and are ready to sign up.  Judy Eisenberg of Floral Scentsations has seven full time employees.  Jerome Love of AdCast has two.  Richard Boyd of Auto World has four.  All will benefit from the initiative. 

Governor O’Malley noted that work performed by the thousands of health insurance brokers, led by the Maryland Association of Health Underwriters, as being critical to the success of the partnership. 

“Members of this association serve as the sales force to spread the word that quality and affordable health coverage is within reach of Maryland’s small businesses,” Governor O’Malley said.  “It is an important message for these businesses that help to drive Maryland’s economic engine.” 

As of November 1, more than 60 businesses, providing coverage to an estimated 300 Marylanders, have joined in the partnership. 

The Working Families and Small Business Health Coverage Act passed in the 2007 special session of the General Assembly. 

More information about the partnership is available by clicking on Health Insurance Partnership found under the “Working Families and Small Business Health Coverage Act” link located in the “Quick Links” list at www.dhmh.state.md.us.