Hoyer Announces Grant Awards for Community Health Centers in Prince George's County
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer announced over $186,000 in grant funding for community health centers in Prince George's County. Greater Baden Medical Services in Brandywine received $126,023 in funding, and the Elaine Ellis Center of Health in Cheltenham received $60,177. The grant funding will be used to help educate uninsured Marylanders about their new health coverage options available in our state's new healthcare exchange, the Maryland Health Connection. With the funding, the Centers will also help Marylanders determine their eligibility for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program, as well as other financial assistance. Additionally, they will help consumers sign up for coverage options once open enrollment begins October 1, 2013.
"I'm pleased Greater Baden Medical Services and the Elaine Ellis Center of Health have received this important funding to help Maryland consumers seeking health care insurance understand their new health care options and gain coverage," stated Congressman Hoyer. "I'm confident that these outstanding community health centers will provide the assistance uninsured individuals and families in our communities need to select quality, affordable health insurance coverage options that best suits their needs. I look forward to working with them as implementation of the Affordable Care Act continues."
In Maryland, 16 health centers were awarded grants. In total, the awardees served nearly 929,000 patients last year, 25 percent of whom were uninsured. The health centers are expected to hire 28 additional workers, who will assist over 42,000 Marylanders with enrollment into affordable health insurance coverage. Nationwide, nearly 1,200 health centers will receive $150 million in grant awards.
In addition to Greater Baden Medical Services and the Elaine Ellis Center of Health, the following community health centers in Maryland received funding: Baltimore Medical System, Inc.; Chase Brexton Health Services, Inc; Community Clinic, Inc.; Family Health Centers of Baltimore; Health Care for the Homeless, Inc.; Park West Health Systems, Inc.; People's Community Health Center, Inc.; Three Lower Counties Community Services, Inc.; Total Health Care, Inc.; Tri-State Community Health Center; Walnut Street Community Health Center, Inc.; West Cecil Health Center, Inc.; and Western Maryland Health Care Corporation.