Evaluation of the Maryland Medicaid HealthChoice Program: CY 2019 to CY 2023

Abstract

In 1997, Maryland implemented HealthChoice—a statewide mandatory Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) managed care program—under authority of a waiver through §1115 of the Social Security Act. The provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that went into effect in 2014 marked another milestone by extending quality coverage to many more Marylanders with low income. Over 25 years after its launch, HealthChoice covers close to 90% of the state’s Medicaid and Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP) populations. Since the inception of HealthChoice, the Maryland Department of Health (the Department) has requested and received seven §1115 waiver renewals.The Hilltop Institute, on behalf of the Department, evaluates the program annually; this evaluation covers the period of calendar year (CY) 2019 through CY 2023.