​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

§1115 HealthChoice Demonstration


Proposed 2027-2031 Demonstration Period


Background

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has authorized the Maryland Department of Health's (the Department) existing §1115 demonstration, known as the HealthChoice demonstration, through December 31, 2026. The HealthChoice demonstration authorizes Maryland’s managed care program, known as HealthChoice, as well as other innovative programs. The Department's current §1115 Demonstration Special Terms and Conditions can be found here.


§1115 Demonstration Extension Application (2025)

The Department is proposing to extend its §1115 demonstration for the 2027-2031 demonstration period. The Department intends to seek authorization to continue current pilots and programs permitted under the current §1115 demonstration, as well to seek a technical amendment to the Increased Community Services (ICS) program eligibility requirements, which will expedite potential enrollment in ICS.


As of June 30, 2025, the State’s 30-day public comment period is open. The Department will accept comments through July 30, 2025. To review the Department’s draft §1115 demonstration extension application, please click here​. 


§1115 Demonstration Extension Resources (2025)


Interested parties may send written comments concerning the demonstration extension to Alyssa Brown, Office of Innovation, Research and Development, Office of Health Care Financing, Maryland Department of Health, 201 West Preston Street, Room 223, Baltimore, Maryland 21201 or via email to mdh.healthchoicerenewal@maryland.gov


The following public hearings will discuss the content of the demonstration extension and solicit feedback and input from public stakeholders. Both hearings will be held on a hybrid basis; information for both in-person and remote participation is below. Please note, public hearing #2 will take place during the Department’s monthly Maryland Medicaid Advisory Committee (MMAC) meeting.


Public Hearing #1

Wednesday, July 9, 2025; 1:00PM–2:00PM 

Michael E. Busch Annapolis Library

1410 West Street 

Annapolis, MD 21401


To participate in the public hearing remotely, please visit: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/551564956546745696


Please note that if you wish to make a public comment, you will need to register via the link above. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing audio and visual information about joining the webinar. 


Call-in number: (562) 247-8321

Access code: 597-057-147


The call-in number and access code presented above is for attendees who wish to join in listen-only mode.


Public Hearing #2

Thursday, July 24, 2025; 1:00PM–3:00PM 

Maryland Department of Health

201 West Preston Street, Level L-Room L1

Baltimore, Maryland 21201


To participate in the public hearing remotely, please visit: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1992114303299564896


Please note that if you wish to make a public comment, you will need to register via the link above. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing audio and visual information about joining the webinar.


Call-in number: (415) 655-0052

Access code: 706-439-047


The call-in number and access code presented above is for attendees who wish to join in listen-only mode.






​​2022-2026 Demonstration Period 

Effective January 1, 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved and extended Maryland's §1115 demonstration, known as HealthChoice, for a period of five years. The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) accepted public comments from May 4, 2021, through June 4, 2021.​

Pending CMS Approval

2022-2026 Approved

2017-2021 Demonstration Period 

Effective January 1, 2017, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved and extended Maryland's §1115 demonstration, known as HealthChoice, for a period of five years. The Maryland Department of Health accepted public comments from April 29, 2016, through May 31, 2016.​

2017-2021 Approved