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Maryland MedicaidMedicaid · Administrative · Managed Care Organizations · MDMedium impact

Reinstatement of the HealthChoice Social Determinants of Health Workgroup

Effective date
Jan 1, 2027
Identified
Sep 11, 2026

Summary

Maryland Medicaid is reinstating the HealthChoice Social Determinants of Health Workgroup to develop a standardized, non-proprietary HRSN (Health-Related Social Needs) screening questionnaire to replace current proprietary instruments. This transition aims to reduce administrative burden, improve cost efficiency, and ensure consistent data collection across all HealthChoice MCOs. The new screening tool is targeted for implementation on January 1, 2027.

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What to do

Action · 4 steps
01Before January 1, 2027: Billing and operations teams must prepare for transition to the new non-proprietary HRSN screening questionnaire.
02MCOs will receive formal invitations and meeting schedules in the coming weeks to participate in the SDoH Workgroup collaborative development process.
03Billing staff should monitor communications from mdh.hcsurveys@maryland.gov for updates on the new screening tool specifications, integration requirements, and any associated billing or documentation changes.
04Update EMR/billing systems and staff workflows as directed once the final questionnaire is released.
If missed: Failure to implement the new screening tool by the January 1, 2027 deadline may impact compliance with NCQA standards and HealthChoice program requirements.

Original notice

Reinstatement of the HealthChoice Social Determinants of Health Workgroup
health.maryland.gov · Always check the source before changing claims.
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