Maryland holds Medicaid evaluation and management reimbursement rates steady

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Health this week announced that it will maintain the current Medicaid reimbursement rates for evaluation and management services for enrolled Marylanders. For the first time, Medicaid’s rates paid to physicians are more than Medicare for E&M visits, enabling doctors to provide the same access to care to Medicaid patients as it does to Medicare patients. […]

Maryland’s State Center Vaccination Testing and Treatment Site to be shuttered on Saturday, February 25

BALTIMORE, MD—The State Center Vaccination, Testing, and Treatment Site, located at 300 W. Preston Street in Baltimore, will close its doors on Saturday, February 25, 2023 drawing to a close more than 16 months of offering Marylanders of all ages free COVID vaccinations and boosters, on-site Test to Treat services, and at-home tests and KN95 masks. “This unprecedented public health […]

Skippack Medical Lab SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test Kits recalled due to potentially inaccurate results

WASHINGTON—Universal Meditech Inc. has initiated a nationwide recall of 56,300 Skippack Medical Lab SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test Kits. The products have been found to have been distributed without appropriate premarket clearance or approval which potentially could result in inaccurate test results due to lack of performance evaluation by the FDA. A recall of the same device has been previously conducted […]

Baltimore man, previously convicted for bank fraud, facing federal charges for filing fraudulent applications for COVID-19 CARES Act loans and unemployment benefits

BALTIMORE, MD—A Baltimore man who was previously convicted on bank fraud and aggravated identity theft charges is now facing federal charges for filing fraudulent applications for COVID-19 CARES Act loans and unemployment benefits. A federal criminal complaint has been filed charging Ryan Dales, 34, with wire fraud, relating to the submission of fraudulent applications for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits, a […]

Governor Hogan announces $20 million Water Assistance Relief Program

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan on Wednesday announced a $20 million Water Assistance Relief Program that will support residents with water bill debt related to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We continue to provide ways—especially during the winter months—to help residents who may have difficulty with their water or heating bills,” said Governor Hogan. “Water systems are encouraged to apply for this funding […]

Olszewski announces more than $2.6 million in grants to local community organizations to support pandemic recovery

TOWSON, MD—Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski on Friday announced that Baltimore County and the Baltimore Community Foundation have awarded more than $2.67 million in American Rescue Plan-funded grants to nearly 30 local community-based organizations to support their recovery and enhance efforts to strengthen neighborhood resiliency. “Baltimore County remains committed to helping our residents recover from the long-lasting effects of the […]

Governor Hogan announces preliminary FY24 budget plan, health care investments for rural and vulnerable communities [VIDEO]

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan on Thursday announced preliminary recommendations for the state’s Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) budget, a plan that supports continued economic growth and community revitalization, strong fiscal responsibility and budget sustainability, and key investments in critical areas—including expanding access to health care for rural and vulnerable communities. “I pledged to bring fiscal responsibility and common sense to our […]

Medicare recipients being targeted with ‘free COVID test’ scam

TOWSON, MD—Local officials say scammers have been targeting Medicare recipients with a fake offer to get “free COVID tests.” The scammers are reportedly calling and running websites, as well as online and television ads to try to convince people to give out their Medicare information. Those who give out their information are seeing fraudulent charges being billed to Medicare. The […]