WYPR launches series on Obamacare and its local impact

0
125

WYPR’s Maryland Morning with Sheilah Kast launched a new series this month— “The Checkup: How Health Care Is Changing In Maryland” – a weekly look at how Obamacare is changing health care in Maryland and how the federal law is affecting local residents and businesses.

photo

Courtesy photo

WYPR’s Sheilah Kast

The series will run until April, airing every Tuesday morning as the lead story following the local and national news (approximately 9:08 a.m.). It will examine the key parts of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, starting with the online marketplaces that launch in every state and the District of Columbia on October 1. The reporting will highlight how residents of Maryland can compare insurance plans, apply for subsidies and enroll in coverage in the new system.

“In March 2010, President Obama signed into law the most significant changes in health care since the creation of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965,” said host Sheilah Kast. “Over the coming months, we’ll look at how those changes are playing out in Maryland: How much will care cost? Where can people get it? and How will it be delivered?”

“The Checkup” will feature interviews with state policy makers, state medical leaders, insurers, brokers and Marylanders of all ages and backgrounds who will share their personal experiences and opinions on the topic.

“WYPR is committed to producing valuable journalism that is beneficial to our listeners. We believe Sheilah Kast is the right journalist to help our audience learn about and better understand the new health care policies in Maryland,” said Anthony Brandon, president and general manager for WYPR.

The public is invited to share their stories by calling 410-881-3162 and leaving a voicemail that can be used on-air or online, or by emailing thecheckup@wypr.org. Each week’s episode will be archived online at www.wypr.org/thecheckup.

“The Checkup: How Health Care Is Changing In Maryland” is made possible by grants from Carefirst BlueCross BlueShield, the Baltimore Association of Health Underwriters and HealthCare Access Maryland.