When the General Assembly reconvenes in Annapolis Wednesday for the start of the 2019 legislative session, their docket will include many topics that affect your health systems, your patients, and your communities.

As we come to the close of 2018 and take a moment to reflect on the past year, Maryland’s hospitals and health systems are gearing up for the next phase in your efforts to transform health care. Beginning January 1, Maryland’s hospitals will operate under a new contract with the federal government, the Total Cost of Care Model.

By now you know that a federal district court judge in Texas ruled Friday that the entire Affordable Care Act (ACA) was rendered unconstitutional when Congress eliminated the individual mandate penalty in last year’s tax act.

Maryland’s hospitals work every day to coordinate care across service domains, to build efficiencies, to raise up quality and patient safety, to eliminate health disparities in your communities, and much more.

A child who misses school due to a parent’s inability to get her to the doctor may fall behind in learning. A hungry child cannot pay full attention in his class. And the effects of insecure housing or at-home trauma most definitely spill over into school performance. The evidence is clear. There is a direct two-way link between children’s health and educational attainment, from pre-K through high school and beyond.

Thanksgiving is, of course, a time to reflect on what we all are thankful for – family, friends, our health, meaningful work, and more. This year, as I gathered with my family, I was mindful – and thankful – that there are so many hard working doctors, nurses, and other caregivers in our hospitals and medical centers day and night – including holidays – to ensure that every Marylander who needs care can get it.