Favorable
Committee: Finance
SB 0790
The Maryland Catholic Conference (MCC) offers this testimony in support of Senate Bill 790. The Catholic Conference is the public policy representative of the three (arch)dioceses serving Maryland, which together encompass over one million Marylanders. Statewide, their parishes, schools, hospitals, and numerous charities combine to form our state’s second largest social service provider network, behind only our state government.
Senate Bill 790 would require the Maryland department of Health to provide Maryland Medical Assistance Program services to qualified applicants who are at least 16 years old and to existing Program recipients under the Employed Individuals with Disabilities Program. This legislation is an important step towards ensuring individuals with disabilities have access to healthcare services they need.
The principle of solidarity calls us to stand in unity with our brothers and sisters who are most vulnerable and marginalized in society. Individuals with disabilities often face significant barriers to accessing healthcare services, which can have profound implications for their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. By expanding access to the Maryland Medical Assistance Program for qualified applicants and existing Program recipients under the Employed Individuals with Disabilities Program, we affirm their intrinsic worth and recognize their right to receive the care and support they need to flourish.
Our Catholic tradition emphasizes the importance of promoting the common good and ensuring that all members of society have the opportunity to participate fully and contribute their gifts and talents. Access to healthcare is a fundamental human right that is essential for individuals to live with dignity and fulfill their God-given potential. By providing Maryland Medical Assistance Program services to individuals with disabilities, we uphold their dignity and affirm their inherent value.
The MCC appreciates your consideration and, for these reasons, respectfully requests a favorable report on Senate Bill 790.