The HCRCC has identified six areas that require the focus of a workgroup because of their central importance to reform and the need to meet implementation timeframes. These subject matter areas involve complex issues with significant and transformative potential that are best discussed and vetted through the workgroup process. They go beyond any reform initiatives already underway and they also affect other cross-cutting implementation issues that will require input and collaboration among different agencies and branches of government. These focus areas are: 1.Health Insurance Exchange and Insurance Markets 2. Entry to Coverage 3. Outreach and Education 4. Public Health, Safety Net, and Special Populations 5. Health Care Workforce 6. Health Care Delivery System. For more information and for the schedule of workgroup dates, visit http://www.healthreform.maryland.gov/.
Comments for Health Care Reform Workgroups submitted by NCADD-MD & MADC.

NCADD-Maryland remains committed to pursuing and advocating for policy reform and legislative solutions, when necessary, in addressing identified policy acting as a barrier to accessing treatment. Key areas of policy and advocacy NCADD-Maryland is working on include:

• Increasing funding to expand treatment capacity, statewide
• Removing barriers preventing establishment of an adequate number of quality treatment programs to serve ALL individuals in need of substance abuse treatment services throughout Maryland, regardless of a person's income or lack of income
• Eliminating barriers to achieving and maintaining recovery, such as access to healthcare, housing, social service and entitlement programs, education, employment and restoration of voting and parental rights
• Assuring that those affected by the disease of addiction are afforded the same rights and opportunities as persons affected by other illnesses
• Advocating on workforce development issues  to ensure we have a well-trained, professional workforce in sufficient numbers to provide the full range of treatment services necessary to effectively serve Maryland's communities, and its citizens
• Working to ensure that adequate, statewide, prevention services are maintained to reduce the number of persons falling victim to the disease of addiction

ADDICTION TREATMENT ADVOCATES COMMITTEE (ATAC-formerly known as ATAM)
The ATAC committee spearheads the NCADD-Maryland advocacy and public policy agenda. Leadership on the committee is co-chaired by a member of the NCADD board of directors and a representative from the treatment provider community. Leadership positions are rotated on an annual basis. This structure features strong support from within the NCADD organization while ensuring an equally strong voice and presence from persons in recovery, treatment professionals and other key stakeholders interested in advancing the NCADD-Maryland legislative agenda. Legislative priorities are developed and initiated by the committee, to coincide with Maryland's Annual General Assembly session. All public policy initiatives and agendas are reviewed by the full board to ensure and that policy decisions and actions undertaken by the committee are consistent with the mission and goals and objectives of NCADD-Maryland.

Maryland General Assembly Legislative Summaries:
2008
2009
2010
2011

Membership in ATAC
Membership and participation on the NCADD-Maryland/ATA Committee (ATAC) is open to individuals or organizations who are paid members of NCADD, and who are interested in advancing our mission through engaging in our advocacy and public policy work. The committee meets the 4th Monday of each month at 12:30 pm. ATAC meetings are rotated throughout the region and are usually hosted by a program, provider or entity in the jurisdiction where the meeting is being held.

For more information, contact us at (410) 625-6482 or by email at info@ncaddmaryland.org. Join now to become a part of our public policy and advocacy work.