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.
Get alerts when payers change rules like this one
We check Maryland Medicaid and other payers every day and email you when a change matches your specialty and state.
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.
Summaries are AI-assisted. Always confirm against the original payer notice.
What is PolicyChanges
One workspace for payer rules, prior auth, coding and compliance
Medical practices use PolicyChanges to catch payer changes before they cause denials. Every change is summarized in plain English, with the codes involved, the date it takes effect and what to do.