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NEWS RELEASE

October 16, 2007

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Ulman Announces Details of “First of its Kind” Health Access Plan

ELLICOTT CITY-- County Executive Ken Ulman and Health Officer Dr. Peter Beilenson today announced the Healthy Howard Plan – a plan to bring affordable access to health care to all uninsured county residents. This announcement comes on the heels of three other innovative partnerships aimed at awareness and increasing enrollment for currently available health programs. “The Healthy Howard Plan brings government, business and citizens together to address the issue of the uninsured in Howard County and moves our county one step closer to becoming the model public health community,” said Ulman.

While not insurance, the Healthy Howard Plan will offer primary care services, deeply discounted prescription drugs, in- and out-patient hospital care, as well as specialty care services. To qualify, Howard County residents must make 300 percent of poverty level or below, have been uninsured for one year and have legally resided in the County for one year. The enrollment goal for the first year of the program is 2,000 participants.

The innovative approach to the Healthy Howard Plan places emphasis on personal responsibility, as well. “We believe that health care is both a right and a responsibility,” said Beilenson. To that end, plan participants will be assigned health coaches to assist in achieving health and wellness goals.

Another unique aspect of this program is that it does not rely soley on taxpayers and government. “Partnerships with community organizations including Howard County General Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions and Chase Brexton Group Practice will help make this program possible,” continued Beilenson.

More information about the Healthy Howard Plan may be found at www.howardcountymd.gov or by calling 410-313-HELP (4357).