ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Governor Larry Hogan, alongside the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), revealed on Tuesday a new $72 million initiative designed to transform maternal and child health care across Maryland. The initiative aims to address health disparities and improve care for mothers and children statewide.
The Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC) will allocate $10 million annually for the next four years to support this effort, starting July 1. The funding will include $2 million for MDH’s Public Health Services and $8 million annually for Maryland Medicaid, which will also be eligible for matching federal funds, making the total initiative worth $72 million.
Governor Hogan emphasized that the initiative focuses on prevention and early intervention. “By investing in access to prenatal care, postpartum care, and child health visits, we can improve a wide range of health outcomes that impact generations of Marylanders,” he said.
The HSCRC has earmarked funds for new statewide programs and for expanding existing health services. These initiatives aim to reduce severe maternal morbidity and pediatric asthma-related emergency visits among children aged 2 to 17. The funding will continue beyond 2025, ensuring long-term sustainability.
In addition, the Maryland legislature passed Senate Bill 923 during the 2021 session, which extends Medicaid coverage for mothers from two to 12 months postpartum. The legislation is expected to bring $17 million in funding to improve health outcomes for mothers enrolled in Maryland’s Medicaid program.
MDH Secretary Dennis R. Schrader stressed the importance of this funding, stating, “This investment will help address the long-standing health disparities that affect underserved communities in Maryland.”
In December 2020, the state identified maternal and child health as a key priority under its Statewide Integrated Health Improvement Strategy (SIHIS). This public-private initiative is aimed at improving health outcomes, reducing disparities, and transforming healthcare delivery under Maryland’s Total Cost of Care Model.
Katie Wunderlich, executive director of HSCRC, emphasized the need for collaboration, saying, “Addressing disparities and improving health outcomes for all Marylanders are essential to fulfilling our mission.”
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