Hearing on new legislation set for Thursday
District 6 Council Member Wala Blegay, Esq. has introduced legislation, CB-47-2024, that will continue funding a countywide health program that provides access to primary care services for Prince Georgians who are ineligible for other healthcare programs. A hearing on the bill is set for Thursday, June 20th at 1:30 p.m. in the Health, Human Services and Public Safety Committee.
The Health Assures Program is a vital source of funding for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) that provide life-saving health care to the underinsured and uninsured in the county.
Prince George’s County currently has the highest uninsured rate in Maryland while also having one of the highest emergency room visitation rates in the state. This is partially a result of gaps in health insurance coverage among lower-income residents and the lack of accessible, affordable health care services. Health Assures subsidizes primary health care, behavioral health and oral health care provided to residents by community health centers. Without these clinics, there would be few alternatives to obtain timely access to the most appropriate level of health care.
The goal of the legislation is to ensure all county residents, regardless of race, gender, age, economic or immigration status, have access to quality primary care, avoid unnecessary visits to the emergency room, and ensure our FQHCs have resources needed to serve the community. District 7 Council Member Krystal Oriadha is also a sponsor of the bill.
WHAT: Hearing on CB-47-2024
WHEN: Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. in Committee Room 2027
WHERE: Wayne K. Curry County Administration Building, 1301 McCormick Dr, Largo, Md 20774
If you are interested in testifying in support of this bill, please contact our office by emailing CouncilDistrict6@co.pg.md.us.