The “Maryland Model” has allowed Maryland's hospitals and health care providers to continue providing high-quality care regardless of a patient's ability to pay.
WASHINGTON – Members of Maryland’s Congressional Delegation U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, Congressman Steny Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Andy Harris, M.D., and Glenn Ivey. Mr. I met with the following individuals at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday: Maryland Secretary of Health Dr. Laura Herrera Scott. The main topic of the hour-long discussion was the future of the Maryland model.
A new voluntary model from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, the State-Advanced All-Payer Health Equity Approach and Development (AHEAD) Model, is likely to be the next model for the Maryland model. This new national framework will test the impact that holding states accountable for controlling growth in health care costs will have on improving population health and health equity. The new model builds on the work of state-based models such as the Maryland Total Cost of Care (TCOC) model.
“Maryland has the building blocks of some of the best health care in the nation. As we move forward, we remain committed to putting important principles at risk, no matter how Maryland's all-payer system evolves next. We will continue to work to ensure that no one is exposed to the disease. We have one reimbursement system across the state, and Marylanders can receive treatment anywhere, regardless of their insurance or uninsured status.” said Senator Cardin. “Team Maryland will continue to work with state officials and the Biden administration to protect the quality of care that Marylanders expect and deserve.”
“Maryland has long led the nation in innovative approaches to health care, particularly through the implementation of a comprehensive total cost of care model. We will continue to work together at both the federal and state levels to provide care.” Sen. Van Hollen said.
“Improving Maryland’s health care system, whether it’s reducing hospital wait times or improving maternal health outcomes in Black communities, requires close collaboration between federal, state, and local leaders. ” Congressman Hoyer said. “As part of our shared mission, I was pleased to meet with the Maryland delegation and Maryland Secretary of Health Herrera Scott to ensure all Marylanders have the care they need to live long, healthy lives. Much work remains to be done, and our delegation is united in advancing these important issues in the coming months and years. ”
“Maryland's hospitals are the envy of not only the nation but the world.” said Congressman Dutch Rupelsberger. “This is due in no small part to our all-pay model, which ensures that all Marylanders receive quality, equitable care, regardless of their ability to pay. Our federal delegation is committed to improving health care across the board. “We are committed to supporting policies and securing resources that advance Maryland's ability to reduce overall health care spending.”
“Maryland has long been a leader in innovative approaches to reducing Medicare spending while improving the health of our population, first through the Maryland Model and now through the Total Health Care Cost Model. Our unique ’s hospital all-pay system has been proven to help reduce costs and ensure quality care for all patients, regardless of insurance status.” said Rep. Thurberness. “Yesterday, I met with Maryland Secretary of Health Herrera Scott and others to discuss how our model can meet current and emerging health needs, better integrate behavioral care, and promote more equitable health outcomes. I am grateful for the opportunity to discuss how we can continue to evolve. I look forward to continuing to work with the Maryland Department of Health, Maryland stakeholders, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to We look forward to ensuring a strong future for our health system.”
“Health is a civil rights issue, and we have an obligation as policymakers to prioritize addressing health disparities. Secretary Herrera Scott brought her deep knowledge, insight, and expertise to bear when she came before us today. They communicated their commitment and we felt they were willing to be a valued partner in that effort. We look forward to the next steps.” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume.
“I was pleased to meet with the Maryland delegation about the future of health care in our state. Secretary of Health Laura Herrera for providing timely updates on the progress of the Maryland Model.・Thank you Dr. Scott.” Rep. Harris said.. As we work to improve Maryland's health care system, it is important to focus on reducing obesity. Obesity has been linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, anxiety, and other health disorders in many reliable health-based studies. Investing resources to reduce obesity can save billions of dollars in downstream health care costs and put Maryland on track to achieving more equitable health outcomes. We are pleased that Secretary Herrera Scott has expressed her interest in exploring ways to reduce obesity with the AHEAD model and look forward to collaborating further with her on this important issue. ”
“The health care that Marylanders receive is first-class, thanks in large part to the TCOC model. But we are doing more to address disparities among communities that face challenges in preventing and treating chronic diseases. Many things can be done better. I commend the leadership of Maryland's federal delegation in working with state and local governments to better address the hospital, clinical, and medical concerns of our residents. I look forward to Secretary Herrera Scott moving forward to meet the dynamic needs of our community.” Congressman Ivey said.
Although the name of the model has changed since the 1970s, Maryland has had a hospital all-payer system that provides equitable access to care, eliminates the need for charity hospitals, and allows patients to A unique and innovative hospital payment model that ensures you are treated the same no matter your situation. Insurance status. State law authorized a basic all-payer system based on inpatient pricing, which continues to be the basis for the subsequent evolution of Maryland's health care model.
The Maryland TCOC model has been shown to improve health outcomes, as shown in a report evaluating the first three years.
