[1] The program started on October 1, 2008, with a plan to accommodate 2,200 people in a salary range of $35,000 to $63,600 for a family of four.
[4] The program is open to those who make between 117% and 300% of the federal poverty income level and are not eligible for Medicaid.
[1][5] It is not considered a health insurance program and does not cover any care received outside the boundaries of Howard County.
[3] The program, which costs $2.8 million annually to operate, is funded with a combination of premiums, county funds, and private donations[6][3] The program has shown to be difficult to sell, falling below expectations.
It has been predicted that if national health care reform is passed, there will be no need for Healthy Howard to continue.