O'Malley: Federal health care overhaul could save Maryland $1 billion over decade

Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) praised "the courageous and important" votes taken Sunday by Congress on health care reform, a measure he said could save Maryland $1 billion in the coming decade.

Speaking to reporters late Monday afternoon, O'Malley predicted a "net savings" to the state because it has been paying for several provisions that will be covered by the federal legislation, including costs associated with the "donut hole" in Medicare prescription drug coverage and allowing young adults to be covered longer by their parents' plans.

The governor said those savings would more than offset costs incurred by the state for covering additional Medicaid recipients.

O'Malley said he will soon launch a task force, led by Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown (D) and state Health Secretary John M. Colmers, to explore other implications of the legislation for Maryland.

"We're looking forward to being one of those states that does the hard work," O'Malley said.

O'Malley's posture stands in stark contrast to top officials in Virginia, where Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli (R) is vowing to go to court over provisions in the legislation. Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) said Monday that the federal legislation could cost Virginia $1 billion over 12 years.