Hassanatu Blake

Key discussions included an update on Maryland's application for CMS Rural Health Transformation funding, where the Commission anticipates playing an oversight role in health IT connectivity and telehealth enhancements if the application is approved. The Commission also addressed the execution of the AHEAD Model state participation agreement. Action items included the approval of the AAMC Surgery Center-Annapolis Ambulatory Surgical certificate of need application, which was approved with conditions related to charity care reporting and quality measures. The Commission adopted the 2026 Medical Care Data Base Data Submission Manual, including new variables for State Health Plan Indicator and Preauthorization Indicator. Furthermore, mandated benefits studies were approved: one concerning coverage for biomarker testing (HB1217/SB085) subject to revisions clarifying data limitations, and another regarding pharmacogenomic testing coverage for anxiety or depression (SB0961). Finally, a study on mandating coverage for aesthetic services and restorative care for domestic violence victims (SB0508) was approved subject to revisions.

The meeting of the Primary Care Investment Workgroup (PCIW) covered several key topics. These included an overview of state law, a discussion of the annual report's data findings and recommendations, and a proposed approach to setting the 2027 investment targets. Updates were provided from MDPCP and AHEAD, along with recent primary care investment activities nationally and in other states. The discussion included establishing a primary care investment target based on total medical expense, adjusted for payer-specific variation, and focusing on underserved areas. There was also discussion of multi-payer alignment with physician fee schedule codes and existing primary care models to promote advanced primary care, leveraging the CMS potentially misvalued codes process to advocate for accurate valuation of services, assessing how health systems are investing in their owned and affiliated primary care teams, and continuing to monitor AHEAD model implementation.

The meeting included a roll call of commissioners and approval of the public session minutes from November 20th, 2025. Updates were provided, including the nomination of Peggy Ocaine as a new commissioner and the introduction of Dr. Andre Chapel as the new chief strategy officer. Discussions covered the primary care investment targets, the impact of HR1 on community engagement, and legislation related to mergers and acquisitions. The health equity accreditation for plans was also highlighted on the quality website. Reports were presented on insurance provider concentration, the market impact of menopause-specific training, the trauma physician services fund, two-sided risk incentive arrangements, and a mandated benefit study related to cancer screenings.

The meeting covered updates including the submission of Maryland's application for the rural health transformation fund to CMS, focusing on transforming the rural health workforce, promoting sustainable access and innovative care, and empowering rural Marylanders to eat for health. The commission also discussed the AAMC surgery center, an existing ambulatory surgery center, seeking to establish an ambulatory surgical facility.

The meeting included discussions on MHCC's draft strategic vision, emphasizing operational excellence, access, reducing disparities, and values. Updates were provided on healthcare activities in the state, particularly the AHEAD Model and the formation of a Regulatory Working Group. The Commission also discussed policy options related to Medicaid Site Neutrality, telehealth, prescription drug price transparency, non-compete clauses, scope of practice, CON requirements, network advocacy provisions, and willing provider laws. Additionally, the Residences at Vantage Point project was approved, amendments to EHN Regulation were finalized, and a Mandated Benefits Study on scalp cooling systems was approved. The meeting also included presentations on proposed amendments to prior authorization regulations and the Maryland Maternal Health Report Card.