Brian B. Alula

This IT Roadmap outlines the strategic technology direction for 2026, building upon 2025 accomplishments. The plan is structured around three integrated pillars: Ensuring Operational Resilience & System Security, Driving Innovation & Engagement, and Enabling Policy & Integration at Scale. Key focus areas include fortifying infrastructure against threats, leveraging AI and automation for enhanced user experience, and rapidly implementing policy mandates. The intended outcomes are a strengthened cybersecurity posture, enhanced healthcare access and user empowerment, rapid policy implementation, and resilient and efficient IT operations.

Key discussion topics included the Executive Director's update, appointments to the 2026 Standing Advisory Committee, and a presentation on the 2026 IT roadmap. Significant procurement actions involved seeking approval for the renewal of Amazon Web Services (AWS) Subscription Licenses through A & T Systems, Inc., and modifications to an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) budget related to OBBBA work. A strategic plan presentation was also delivered, concluding with a motion to enter a closed session to discuss personnel matters.

This 2026-2028 Strategic Plan outlines the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange's commitment to ensuring high-quality, affordable health coverage for all Marylanders. Key priorities include fostering Organizational Strength, enhancing communication through Telling Our Story, and driving Innovation in Platform, Products, and Processes. The plan seeks to build a resilient organization, improve transparency, and simplify services to optimize internal operations, deepen partnerships, and enhance the consumer experience.

The meeting commenced with the approval of previous minutes. The Standing Advisory Committee (SAC) reported on transitions, the completion of the Value Plan Workgroup recommendations, and updates regarding the Maryland Health Connection for Small Business (MHC-SB) enrollment portal and the Maryland Insurance Administration's efforts against fake plans. The Finance and Audit Committee reported that the agency was over budget by approximately $32,000 as of October 2025, and noted the upcoming audit by the Office of Legislative Audits. The Executive Director provided a comprehensive recap of open enrollment, highlighting the high number of renewals but declining new enrollments, the impact of federal subsidy changes on specific enrollee groups, and preparations related to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Discussions also covered pending federal guidance for the 2027 plan year and the start of the legislative session. The Board unanimously approved the 2026 meeting schedule, including a planning retreat. Proposed regulatory updates for small business health plans, aimed at expanding carrier plan offerings and introducing a 'meaningful difference' clause, were presented and unanimously approved for publication. A preview of the 2027 plan certification standards was also presented, focusing on Value Plan designs, including a requirement for cost-sharing-free continuous glucose monitors for diabetic patients, which was approved. Updates on the MHC-SB program detailed its current enrollment figures and future outreach plans. The Board subsequently approved the second option year renewal for the Salesforce license, which is estimated to save nearly $40,000. Finally, approval was granted to increase the not-to-exceed amount for language translation services due to massive increases in call volume.

The executive director provided updates on several ongoing items. Key discussions included digesting the recently released CMS notice of benefit and payment parameters, with initial observations suggesting a push to make catastrophic and bronze health plans easier to purchase. The legislative session update covered a technical cleanup bill regarding pregnancy special enrollment periods and feedback being provided on other circulating bills that involve the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange (MHB). The Governor's budget was noted as favorable for MHB, with requested funding largely secured for the one big beautiful bill act for Medicaid, which now proceeds through the general assembly. The board received updates on meetings with key legislators, emphasizing the exchange's responsiveness and technological innovations, including a successful pilot program using AI for case status updates and an 86% automation rate for password resets. A significant issue involving a file transfer error with Care First impacting approximately 4,000 consumers was addressed, with assurances that corrective actions are being finalized. Standard post-open enrollment activities, such as issuing and correcting 1095 tax forms, were reviewed. Furthermore, CMS approval was received for enhanced funding related to community engagement and twice-a-year redeterminations under the one big beautiful bill act. Staffing updates noted an ongoing search for an Escalade case worker and a director of policy and plan management. The meeting concluded with a discussion and approval of appointments for seven new members to the Standing Advisory Committee (SAC), focusing on diversity and specialized expertise. The IT roadmap presentation detailed the comprehensive technology ecosystem, including consumer, worker, and broker portals, mobile applications, and the integration of AI for call center support and case status inquiries.