2009 Legislative Accomplishments

The 2009 Maryland General Assembly Session ended April 13, 2009. Looking at what we were able to accomplish this session and given the poor budget climate, we would classify the 2009 MD General Assembly Session as a very successful session for the cancer control community.

Here is a brief listing of our accomplishments:

• Reduced the MHIP Plus preX buy down from 30% to 10% of premium.
  Invited to take part in the larger conversation on expanding access to health care.
• Reduced and controlled the cuts in the state and local tobacco control programs.
• Held the budget unharmed for the Breast and Cervical Cancer Programs.
  Fought off big tobacco's cigar bar bill.
• Fought off big tobacco's bill capping the amount of bond posted following an unfavorable court decision.
• Fought off big tobacco's retail cost vs weight based tax change.
• Passed legislation requiring insurance carriers to cover the cost of breast cancer screening following the ACS guidelines.
• Passed legislation requiring insurance carriers to cover the cost of a 48 hour hospital stay or home visit following a mastectomy.
• Passed legislation allowing local schools to establish programs for measuring body mass and establishing PE advisory councils.