Maryland House Bill HB971

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/26
• Refer: 2/6/26

Caption

Maryland Medical Advisory Committee - Duties and Workgroup to Study the Adoption of a Fee-for-Service Model for All Medicaid Services

Impact

The proposed workgroup's responsibilities include examining the feasibility and implications of adopting alternative payment models, analyzing data from both in-state practices and other states that have successfully implemented similar changes. If adopted, this bill could lead to significant changes in how Medicaid services are delivered, with an emphasis on real-time data access and improved provider engagement. The workgroup is also tasked with considering overall cost implications, participation rates, and service accessibility as it reports findings by January 1, 2027.

Summary

House Bill 971 mandates the Maryland Medical Advisory Committee to establish subcommittees and a workgroup dedicated to exploring the adoption of a fee-for-service model for all Medicaid services in Maryland. This initiative aims to review existing structures and potential reforms in the state's Medicaid program to enhance care delivery and address economic and service accessibility concerns. The focus on a fee-for-service model suggests a shift from managed care organizations to direct payment structures, aligning with practices in other states like Connecticut.

Contention

While proponents of HB 971 argue that transitioning to a fee-for-service model could streamline operations and improve access to care, critics may raise concerns about the shift away from managed care models, which could potentially lead to fragmentation of services and varying standards of care. The workgroup's findings and the bill's progress will likely be scrutinized during discussions, reflecting the broader ongoing debate about the most effective ways to structure Medicaid and enhance service delivery for diverse populations.