For Immediate Release: February 16, 2023 

Media Contact: Gabriela Hernandez, [email protected]   


Annapolis, MD — The Maryland Senate Finance Committee held a hearing to debate Senate Bill 365, the Access to Care Act. The bill, which removes immigration status as a barrier to purchasing insurance on the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, had an outpouring of support from a range of powerful voices including undocumented community activists, community clinics, hospital leaders, labor unions, faith groups and more. Joining Senator Clarence Lam, MD, Chinese American and lead sponsor of the bill, were prominent leaders including former Secretary of Health Josh Sharfstein and Executive Director of the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange Michele Eberle. Debate on this bill follows momentum building from last year’s passage of the Healthy Babies Equity Act, which expanded Medicaid to undocumented pregnant mothers.

“This bill would establish an enrollment program for people ineligible for the exchange. The state has been a national leader to reduce the uninsured rate,” explained Michele Eberle, Executive Director, Maryland Health Benefit Exchange in the hearing.

Despite paying approximately $350M in state & local taxes per year, immigrant Marylanders currently cannot buy insurance on the exchange, even if they can afford to buy a plan at full cost.

CASA member Maria Peralta, who is a survivor of triple negative breast cancer, was among one Marylander who testified in favor of passing Access to Care: “Cancer has left me with many problems, including swollen hands and no lymph nodes, which has prevented me from working. Without health insurance, I have no follow-up on my cancer and have not yet had reconstructive surgery,” said Maria.

“The pandemic taught us how vulnerable communities are without access to desperately needed care. Leaving immigrant communities out of the healthcare system adversely impacts our communities’ well-being,” explained Dr. Michelle LaRue, Director of CASA’s Health and Human Services.

“Several months ago I slipped down the stairs and hurt my arm, back, elbow, and neck. I can’t get a regular checkup to get my eyes or hand checked just because I don’t have health coverage,” testified CASA member Ogochukwu.

Since its establishment in 2010, the Affordable Care Act has allowed for 28 million people across the country to gain access to affordable care. Unfortunately, immigrants are ineligible for care through this program. Maryland can change that by passing the Access to Care Act this year.

Multiple states across the country have already established comprehensive programs to extend coverage to immigrants regardless of their status.

The Access to Care Act is a step toward ending healthcare disparities and discrimination in our
immigrant communities. It will make Maryland a safer, healthier place for all.

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With over 122,000 lifetime Latino, immigrant, and working-class members across 46 US states, CASA is the foremost immigrant organization in the mid-Atlantic region and a national leader in supporting immigrant families and ensuring that all individuals have the core support necessary for full participation in society. Now a national immigrant powerhouse, CASA creates change with its powerbuilding model blending human services, community organizing, and advocacy in order to serve the full spectrum of the needs, dreams, and aspirations of members. Visit us at www.wearecasa.org and follow us on Twitter at @CASAforall.