Mid-Atlantic Health Law TOPICS

1. In April, Maryland's Health Services Cost Review Commission approved a 1.56% rate increase for Maryland's hospitals, as well as an additional 1.9% rate increase to cover a 2% hospital tax enacted by the Maryland General Assembly to cover a projected deficit in Maryland's Medical Assistance Program.

2. In April, Dr. Rex Cowdry announced his resignation as Executive Director of the Maryland Health Care Commission (HCC). The HCC expects to name a replacement by July.

3. In April, the HCC launched its multi-payer patient centered medical home (PCMH) program. Under the program, participating health care practices will provide care managers to patients who wish to participate. The care managers will attempt to lower patient costs, and increase quality by, among other things: addressing patient medication compliance; providing 24/7 patient access to care; and otherwise assisting the patient in accessing appropriate health care resources. To participate, practices must obtain recognition from the National Committee for Quality Assurance. Participating insurers, including Maryland Medicaid, will provide participating practices with a fixed transformation payment, and a share of cost savings, measured by medical care spending versus expected costs.