Under current federal law, it is illegal for anyone to charge a U.S. military veteran money for filing an initial claim through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which administers benefit programs for vets and their family members. The Maryland Health and Government Operations Committee met Tuesday to discuss House Bill 875, which would … Read more
The Maryland Behavioral Health Care Treatment and Access Commission held its first-ever meeting last month to discuss report findings and next steps. Under House Bill 1148, which passed in the Maryland Legislature earlier this year, the commission is required to create four workgroups: one for geriatric behavioral health, one for youth behavioral health and the … Read more
In this edition, we look at some health-related bills we’re watching in the legislature. With the deadline to pass bills out of their committees of origin only a couple weeks away, lawmakers are working to advance legislation concerning reproductive rights, drug affordability, and more. We also include some information from a recent committee hearing about … Read more
We are so thrilled to be back reporting in Maryland after a brief hiatus! In our first 2023 edition of “What They’re Watching” in Maryland, we include some of Reporter James Sklar’s reporting on the Maryland Legislature, which began meeting on Jan. 11th. We will continue to monitor key health-related legislation as it moves during … Read more
When the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June, leaving abortion policy up to the states, the Maryland legislature had already taken steps to ensure access to abortion for residents. The Maryland Abortion Care Access Act, which went into effect July 1st, provides a multi-faceted approach to abortion care, from bolstering providers to … Read more
Investing in the mental health wellness of children in Maryland will be a priority for Sen. Mary Washington (D-Baltimore City) during the next legislative session. As Senate chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Youth, and Families, Washington says she will work to recommend policies and budget initiatives that prioritize the well-being of youth in … Read more
In the midst of a severe workforce shortage, some Marylanders looking to become health workers are facing a major barrier to registering for their licenses. Occupational boards require an individual to provide a Social Security number (SSN) when applying for licensure or certification. Immigrants who are not yet citizens and don’t have an SSN are … Read more
Maryland policymakers, state agencies, and other health care executives are poised to take an all-encompassing approach to care for Marylanders with Alzheimer’s and other dementia, a leading expert in the field says. Even as the health care system continues to work through the stress of the COVID pandemic, new, historical state funding can create opportunities … Read more
The Mental Health Association of Maryland (MHAMD), one of the state’s top advocates for behavioral health policy reform, continues to support new developments at the federal and state level. More health leaders are acknowledging the key link between maternal mental and physical health. According to MHAMD, 15-20% of women develop postpartum depression after … Read more
Maryland’s health care employers continue to face the rise of remote work, workforce burnout, and pressure to recruit and retain a diverse workforce that represents the communities they serve. Three experts shared remarks on how the state should work to strengthen the health care workforce at our 2022 Maryland State of Reform Health Policy Conference … Read more