ANNAPOLIS, MD – In a significant move to bolster the well-being of its most vulnerable citizens, the State of Maryland, under the leadership of Governor Wes Moore, has embarked on a transformative initiative aimed at providing enhanced support for Medicaid-eligible residents with disabilities and older adults facing or experiencing homelessness. This initiative, part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Housing and Services’ Partnership Accelerator, is set to revolutionize the provision of care and support for these populations.
Governor Moore’s announcement underscores the administration’s dedication to improving government efficacy and interagency collaboration to uplift Maryland’s citizens. “This program will strengthen cooperation between four state agencies so we can lift up our fellow Marylanders,” Governor Moore stated, expressing gratitude towards federal partners and affirming the commitment to inclusivity and support for all.
The Partnership Accelerator program is designed to offer technical assistance, including education and one-on-one coaching from nationally recognized experts. It aims to foster collaboration among the Maryland Department of Health, Maryland Department of Disabilities, Maryland Department of Aging, and the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. These agencies will unite to tackle prevalent housing issues, focusing on innovative payment models, rate-setting, and data integration methods to enhance service delivery.
Dr. Laura Herrera Scott, Maryland Department of Health Secretary, highlighted the program’s potential to significantly improve health outcomes for the state’s most vulnerable. “This data-driven, public health approach can make an impact on the lives of those with serious physical and behavioral needs,” she remarked, emphasizing the goal of enabling individuals to find a stable place they can call home.
The initiative also seeks to broaden the reach of the Assistance in Community Integration Services pilot, initiated in 2017 with the approval of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This pilot targets health-related social needs with a particular focus on housing insecurity, offering support services to eligible individuals. Currently operational in Baltimore City, Cecil County, Montgomery County, and Prince George’s County, the program has already shown promising results, with over 70% of participants achieving stable housing and witnessing a decrease in emergency room visits and inpatient admissions.
In a testament to the program’s success and potential for expansion, Governor Moore has allocated an additional $5.4 million in the FY 2025 budget. This funding aims to extend the pilot’s impact and further solidify Maryland’s commitment to its citizens’ health and well-being.
Maryland’s Department of Aging Secretary, Carmel Roques, also expressed enthusiasm about the program’s alignment with the state’s Longevity Ready Maryland initiative. “Together, we can adopt practices and align services that prepare our state to meet the evolving needs of a growing older population,” Roques said, highlighting the importance of integrated support services for older Medicaid participants.
The initiative represents a concerted effort by the Maryland government and its federal partners to address critical health and housing challenges. Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day emphasized the necessity of stable housing for health outcomes, stating, “The critical support services provided thanks to this meaningful federal investment will directly result in more vulnerable Marylanders being housed and healthy.”
As Maryland joins the Housing and Services Partnership Accelerator, the state sets a precedent for comprehensive and compassionate care, aiming for a future where every resident has access to the support and resources they need to thrive. For more details on the Assistance in Community Integration Services pilot, visit Maryland’s Department of Health website.
