Hoyer: New Uninsured Data for Maryland Underscore Need for Health Insurance Reform

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, the White House issued a new report on data released last week by the U.S. Census Bureau that show the number of uninsured Marylanders has increased, from 13.9% in 2001 to 15.4% in 2008, adding to a premium increase of 79% for Marylanders with insurance over the same eight year period. Rep. Hoyer released the following statement:

"New U.S. Census data on the state of American health showed this week that the number of uninsured citizens increased in Maryland this decade, and private coverage eroded. More than 15% of Maryland workers are without health insurance, and the problem of insecure coverage is a shared one that cuts across economic lines: among the uninsured are 12,500 Marylanders from high-income households, demonstrating that all of us are vulnerable to a loss of coverage.

"Health insurance reform will bring stable, reliable coverage to all of Maryland's workers and families. Importantly, it will also benefit those in our State who are already covered: they can expect relief from the rising premiums that are up nearly 80% in our State this decade, protection from medical bankruptcy and denial of coverage by insurance companies, and an end to the ‘hidden tax' in their premiums that subsidizes the care of the uninsured. Many of Maryland's 77,544 small businesses will also be able to take advantage of tax credits and a health insurance exchange to help them cover their employees at lower rates, putting them on a more level playing field with their bigger competitors.

"I am fighting to pass reform legislation because our country needs it badly-but I am particularly driven by the pressing needs of the Marylanders I represent."

HOW HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM WILL BENEFIT MARYLAND

• The New Numbers: Health Insurance Reform Cannot Wait in Maryland
• Stable and Secure Health Care for Maryland
• The Health Care Status Quo: Why Maryland Needs Health Reform

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