Health Enterprise Zones (HEZs) seek to reduce health disparities among Maryland’s racial and ethnic groups and between geographic areas, to improve health care access and health outcomes in underserved communities, and to reduce health care costs by providing a variety of incentives to defined areas with high rates of disparities. Funded with $4 million allocated to the Community Health Resources Commission (CHRC), it is anticipated that between two and four zones will be part of the HEZ pilot program.

The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) and the CHRC are seeking public comment on the three draft documents listed below, which will guide the overall execution of this initiative.  Public comment will be accepted on these documents from June 15 until July 15.   Please email public comments or any questions/requests for additional information.  For general information about the HEZ Initiative, please visit the website.

(1)  Draft potential HEZ eligibility criteria , including the data involved in HEZ applications and designations;

(2)  Draft principles for the review of HEZ applications; and

(3)  Draft benefits/incentives in designated HEZs.