The Latest News from Senator Rosapepe's Office January 2024

Dr. Robert Gallo, Founder of UMD Institute of Human Virology and co-discoverer of the virus which causes AIDS, will be the guest speaker at Senator Rosapepe’s winter brunch on Jan. 20.

Happy New Year! Join Sheilah and I for our Winter Brunch January 20th in Gambrills 

When: Saturday, January 20th from 12 pm – 2 pm

Location: Village Commons Community Center, 1326 Main Chapel Way, Gambrills, MD

To RSVP, visit www.WinterBrunch.com or call 240-712-4646.

The Special Guest: Dr. Robert Gallo, Founder of UMD Institute of Human Virology and co-discoverer of the virus which causes AIDS.

January 29th join the 21st District Delegation for our reception in Annapolis

            Delegates Joseline Pena-Melnyk, Ben Barnes, Mary Lehman, and I appreciate the opportunity to represent you in the Maryland legislature. We hope you can join us and other neighbors Monday evening, January 29th, 6 to 8 pm, at Market House at 25 Market Space, near the Annapolis dock, for good food and good fellowship. We’ll be joined by other state and local leaders who represent you. To RSVP, call 240-712-4646, or go to http://bit.ly/District21Night. If you'd like to stay after dinner, you can see the Senate or House in action at 8 pm. Just let us know when you RSVP. If you just want to come to dinner by bus with neighbors, reserve your seat when you RSVP. Buses will pick up in College Park and Laurel. Finally, if you have questions, just email 21stDistrictDelegation@gmail.com or call.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

            The Prince George's County Ombudsman Program's purpose is to ensure that residents of long-term care facilities receive the care they deserve. Anyone can contact the Ombudsman, residents, staff, family or friends of residents, public agencies, community groups, or individuals interested in the quality of care in long-term care facilities. There is no charge. If you would like more information, you can contact the Ombudsman Coordinator, Kelly Snipes, at 301-265-8455. If you would like to volunteer with the program, also contact Ms. Snipes.

Senior Call Check Available to Maryland Residents

            Are you home alone? Would you like someone to check in with you daily? If you are 65+, the Maryland Department of Aging offers you a free service for an automated daily phone call at a scheduled time. If you do not pick up after three attempts, the service will call an alternate person on your behalf to check on you. You must have an active landline or cell phone to participate in the program. Sign up online here or by phone at 1-866-502-0560.

Info on Affordable Health Insurance

            Coverage from Maryland Health Connection can give you a sense of security and stability when parts of your life may feel unpredictable. Through January 15, 2024, you can shop and enroll in a 2024 health plan at MarylandHealthConnection.gov. Even if you've looked before, you can check out additional savings.

What's new for 2024?

                        You have four health insurance companies to choose from! This year, Maryland Health Connection welcomed Aetna as a new health insurance company in addition to CareFirst, Kaiser Permanente, and UnitedHealthcare. No matter where you live in Maryland, you can choose plans from multiple insurance companies.

                        Young adult savings have been expanded. Now, Marylanders ages 18-37 can get special discounts for 2024 health plans — on top of other savings available. Value plans give you the option for lower out-of-pocket costs.

                        Value Plans are designed to have lower out-of-pocket costs when you use health care. For 2024, we revamped Value Plans to make the prices for standard healthcare services more transparent and more consistent across insurance companies. All insurance companies on Maryland Health Connection offer Value Plans. Value Plans use simple copays for most services and cover many services without requiring you to meet your deductible. Value Plans are a perfect fit for people with high prescription costs because they have lower caps on the amount you pay out of pocket for prescriptions. They also cover routine services for people with diabetes at no cost, including insulin, primary care visits, and specific labs.  

            Medicaid- Open enrollment is for private health plans only. If you're eligible, you can apply for Medicaid anytime. If you are already enrolled in Medicaid, you will receive a notice before your benefits end. 

            There are many ways to enroll. If you need help registering, we've got you covered. Trained experts are available to help you sign up for a health plan. Go to MarylandHealthConnection.gov to find free assistance near you. Get free help enrolling by phone or in person. Again, this year, Maryland Health Connection offers Broker Connect. You can talk to an authorized insurance broker in 30 minutes or less. A broker will call you to discuss your private health plan options. Best of all, it's free.

COVID info and help

            MDGOVAX Call Center Services are transitioning to 2-1-1 Maryland. Marylanders can still receive information and referrals regarding COVID-19 resources by calling 2-1-1 or texting your zip code to 898 211..

COVID-19 Financial Assistance for Homeowners

            Are you struggling to keep up with your mortgage payments or other housing costs due to COVID-19 related financial hardships? The Maryland Homeowner Assistance Fund may be able to help. Visit the State of Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development website at https://dhcd.maryland.gov/ or call the department at 301-429-7400 to check eligibility and get assistance with navigating the application portal.

How to report potholes in Beltsville

            Maintenance of State roads (identified by number — Rt 1, Rt 212, etc) is the responsibility of the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA). Call 301-952-0555 to report a pothole on a State road. Other local roads are maintained by the County . To report potholes on them, call 311 (3-1-1) or 301-883-4748 or report it online at PGC311.com.

Contact me

            Please let me know if there are other issues you have questions or thoughts about. And, of course, feel free to be in touch if I can be of help to you. Just email 21stDistrictDelegation@gmail.com or call 410-841-3141.