Health and Human Services Archives

Protecting the Tap: County Rolls Out Water Safety Initiative

The Washington County Division of Environmental Management is launching a critical, state-mandated initiative to protect the public drinking water system from potential contamination: the Cross-Connection Control (CCC) Program. This program focuses on identifying and mitigating risks of pollutants entering the water supply through backflow—a reversal of water flow that can occur in certain plumbing systems. All non-residential properties will eventually be surveyed as part of this important water safety initiative. What to Expect The CCC Program will…

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June 19, 2025

Courts / Health and Human Services / News You Can Use

Purdue Pharma’s $7.4B Opioid Deal Could Bring $90M to MD

Maryland might receive $90 million from an opioid settlement agreement with Purdue Pharma. In a recent Maryland Matters article, the prescription opioid manufacturer Purdue Pharma will likely pay out billions to over 55 states and territories for their role in the opioid crisis. Maryland is expecting to receive $90 million in the tentative settlement agreement. The historic settlement deal still requires approval from a federal bankruptcy court. The deal will allow individuals to retain the…

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June 19, 2025

Health and Human Services / Information Technology / Public Safety and Corrections

Scammers Targeting Older Adults in MD

Scammers are increasingly targeting older adults in Maryland. Advocates argue Maryland is targeted because of a larger number of employees who have a pension plan. In a Maryland Matters article, AARP Maryland recently held an event that highlighted where scammers are increasingly targeting older adults. AARP, federal and state partners, along with other advocacy groups, are advocating for increased efforts to protect this population of Marylanders. From the article: According to AARP, older Americans reported…

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June 18, 2025

Health and Human Services / NACo and Federal Issues

Fed Health Care Bill Takes Cue From MD’s Easy Enrollment

Maryland’s streamlined approach to connecting residents with health care is drawing federal attention as lawmakers consider new tools to improve enrollment and access. In a recent Maryland Matters article, Maryland’s “Easy Enrollment” program is serving as a model for newly reintroduced federal legislation that aims to simplify how individuals sign up for health coverage. US Senator Chris Van Hollen’s Easy Enrollment in Health Care Act would allow taxpayers to use information from their federal tax…

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June 17, 2025

Employee Benefits and Relations / Health and Human Services / Human Resources / Information Technology / Labor

CalHeatScore: California’s New Tool for Beating the Heat

Extreme heat is more than a summer nuisance. California’s new tool helps residents identify potential dangers early and take action to stay safe. In a recent Government Technology article, California introduced CalHeatScore, a new tool that forecasts and ranks the risk of heat-related illness on a daily basis. Using a 0-to-4 scale, the system helps residents understand when conditions are most hazardous, with a score of 4 indicating a severe risk. The platform also provides…

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June 12, 2025

County News / Education / Health and Human Services / News You Can Use

Queen Anne’s Announces New Grants To Support Youth Programs

The Queen Anne’s County Department of Community Services Local Management Board (LMB) is now accepting proposals for two grant-funded programs designed to enhance the well-being and academic success of local youth: the Out of School Time (OST) Grant and the Partnering For Youth (PFY) Program Grant for the 2025–2026 school year. These opportunities reflect the County’s continued investment in innovative, high-quality after-school programming that supports children, families, and schools across the county. Out of School…

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June 12, 2025

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

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

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

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