As it has been for some time, health care was front and center during the Maryland General Assembly’s legislative session, which adjourned April 12.

Under that spotlight, MHA and your hospitals told the story of your COVID-19 response, successfully promoted bills to strengthen health and health care, and supported measures to put Maryland on the path to health equity.

We were pleased to see Gov. Larry Hogan sign our Preserve Telehealth Access Act. This vital bill broadens telehealth access and offers big gains in audio-only care and payment parity.

MHA made health equity a central focus of our advocacy this year. We actively supported measures to establish Health Equity Resource Communities, create a statewide Health Equity Commission, improve data collection, and expand implicit bias training—all passed in the final days of session.

We were able to stave off a $35-million increase in the Medicaid Deficit Assessment and delivered millions in funding for hospital capital projects statewide.

Working with your hospitals, we defeated proposed provisions in legislation that would have been problematic for your organizations, your employees—and ultimately patients. These measures, focused on employer mandates and hospital collection practices, will linger beyond this session. MHA will continue to ensure your voices are heard.

For a fuller list of our shared legislative progress, see our Sine Die report.

It continues to be our privilege to advocate on your behalf. We are proud to have delivered for you during this challenging legislative session. Our whole team looks forward to the work ahead to make sure you have the resources you need to care for Maryland.

Bob Atlas
President & CEO