Read more about the article Federal Legislation Reintroduced to Allow Medicaid Coverage in Detention Centers
County News / Health and Human Services / NACo and Federal Issues / Public Safety and Corrections
Federal Legislation Reintroduced to Allow Medicaid Coverage in Detention Centers

Five national associations have signed on to bi-partisan legislation seeking to amend components of the federal Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy (MIEP) for incarcerated individuals. Changes would allow coverage for eligible detainees 30 days prior to release and for those yet to be convicted of a crime.  Recently the National Association of Counties (NACo) was joined by state and local government partners in sending a letter to leaders on the US House of Representatives Energy and…

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June 12, 2025
Read more about the article Baltimore City Seeks $5B for Recovery and Prevention
Courts / Health and Human Services / Human Resources
Baltimore City Seeks $5B for Recovery and Prevention

Baltimore City is pressing for a long-term investment in recovery, prevention, and public health to repair the damage done by the opioid crisis. According to a Baltimore Banner article, Baltimore City is seeking $5.2 billion from the court to fund a 15-year abatement plan. The City recently won a $266 million judgment against two major drug distributors. This second phase of the trial focuses on future solutions, not past harm. The plan outlines funding for…

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June 11, 2025
Read more about the article Public Health Commission Releases Draft Recommendations for Comment
County News / Health and Human Services / News You Can Use
Public Health Commission Releases Draft Recommendations for Comment

Maryland’s Commission on Public Health has released a draft slate of over 60 recommendations to strengthen and modernize the state’s public health system. After months of discussion and collaboration across five specialized workgroups, the draft was formally adopted at the Commission’s June meeting and will now enter a 30-day public comment period. The recommendations touch nearly every corner of the system, from workforce capacity and emergency preparedness to equity and data modernization. Local governments are…

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June 11, 2025
Read more about the article Proposed Health Insurance Rate Increases Could Price Out 70,000 Residents
Health and Human Services / NACo and Federal Issues
Proposed Health Insurance Rate Increases Could Price Out 70,000 Residents

Maryland has made significant gains in expanding access to health coverage, but that progress is now at risk as insurers seek significant rate increases for 2026. In a recent Baltimore Banner article, health insurers in Maryland are requesting substantial premium increases for plans offered through the State’s health exchange. On average, insurers want to raise rates by 17 percent for individuals and 5.5 percent for businesses. These hikes are largely tied to the potential expiration…

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June 4, 2025
Read more about the article What’s the Deal With This Sanctuary Counties List?
Government Liability and Courts / Health and Human Services / Public Safety and Corrections
What’s the Deal With This Sanctuary Counties List?

Maryland counties and Baltimore City moved quickly to correct false claims and poor communication from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security following the publication of "sanctuary jurisdictions" list. All jurisdictions have confirmed compliance with federal law, state law, and the U.S. Constitution and clarified local policies and procedures - most of which include fluid communication and cooperation with local immigration authorities.  Last week the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a list of "sanctuary jurisdictions"…

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June 4, 2025
Read more about the article Maryland Retirement System Appoints Edward Kamonjoh To Lead Governance Strategy
Health and Human Services / News You Can Use / Pensions & Public Funds
Maryland Retirement System Appoints Edward Kamonjoh To Lead Governance Strategy

The Maryland State Retirement Agency has named Edward Kamonjoh as its new Senior Corporate Governance Manager, advancing the System’s focus on transparency, accountability, and long-term investment integrity across its $70 billion portfolio. In this role, Kamonjoh will lead proxy voting operations, integrate material ESG (environmental, social, and governance) considerations into investment analysis, and represent the System in corporate and regulatory engagement. His appointment underscores a growing emphasis on sound governance as public pension systems navigate…

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June 4, 2025
Read more about the article MD Proposes Regulatory Overhaul for Behavioral Health Providers
Health and Human Services
MD Proposes Regulatory Overhaul for Behavioral Health Providers

Maryland’s behavioral health system is undergoing a regulatory update aimed at ensuring providers meet clear, enforceable standards. In a recent press release from the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), the Department announced proposed regulations for community-based behavioral health programs. MDH is seeking to reduce fraud, waste, and abuse in the state’s behavioral health system, and they are seeking public input through June 16, 2025. The proposed regulations are part of Phase 2 in a broader…

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May 29, 2025
Read more about the article Medicaid Management and How Contracting Gaps Create Local Headaches
County News / Health and Human Services / NACo and Federal Issues / State Budget and Fiscal Issues
Medicaid Management and How Contracting Gaps Create Local Headaches

Medicaid may be funded and regulated by government, but in practice, it runs through a maze of private contractors. As the federal government looks to tighten Medicaid spending, the lack of direct oversight could leave local communities exposed to the fallout when errors occur. As previously covered by MACo, Medicaid is a broad program that ensures low-income residents receive health care through a nationwide network, with costs split between the federal and state governments. Maryland’s…

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May 29, 2025
Read more about the article Montgomery County Govt National Leader in Workplace Mental Health
County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Health and Human Services / Human Resources
Montgomery County Govt National Leader in Workplace Mental Health

Montgomery County Government has been recognized as a national leader in employee mental health and well-being, earning the 2025 Gold Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health from Mental Health America (MHA). This marks the third consecutive year the County has received this prestigious certification. The Bell Seal is a national certification program that annually recognizes a select group of employers committed to fostering mentally healthy work environments. The Gold Bell Seal is the second-highest designation…

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May 29, 2025
Read more about the article $20M in Clean Water Funding To Go to Talbot, Frederick and Prince George’s
Board of Public Works / County News / Economic Development / Environment / Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development / Transportation and Public Works
$20M in Clean Water Funding To Go to Talbot, Frederick and Prince George’s

The Maryland Board of Public Works has approved nearly $20 million in funding to support major water infrastructure improvement projects in Talbot, Frederick, and Prince George’s counties. “These projects support hundreds of jobs and modern infrastructure to make Maryland an even more desirable place to live. They also protect our Chesapeake Bay and local waterways from pollution,” said Maryland Secretary of Environment Serena McIlwain. “Clean water means communities that are healthier, happier and more productive.”…

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May 29, 2025
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