November 20, 2025
Media Contact:Amanda Hils, Assistant Director for Media Relations,
[email protected]Maryland state agencies and partners hold second cross-agency roundtable to strengthen Maryland’s safety net and protect coverage under H.R.1Baltimore, MD – Maryland’s health and human services leaders, along with providers, health industry representatives, and community partners, convened today for the second in a series of cross-agency roundtables focused on preparing for the implementation of H.R.1 provisions and protecting Marylanders from coverage loss and service disruption.
The event brought together the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), Department of Human Services (DHS), Maryland Health Benefit Exchange (MHBE), and the Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) alongside service providers, industry organizations, and advocacy groups.
This second roundtable was built upon the initial discussion held earlier this year, which focused on the scope of proposed federal cuts (more than $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid, Marketplace subsidies, and SNAP), and the impact on Marylanders.
Today’s discussion brought together a varied set of stakeholders to collaborate and share ideas to further community engagement and reach potentially impacted Marylanders with timely, accurate information. Participants also discussed cross-agency coordination, communication strategies, and additional actions to maintain Maryland’s safety net and protect services through 2026 and beyond.
“Working together with our state and community partners, we will protect access to quality health care and services for all Marylanders,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Meena Seshamani. “We are putting the health and wellbeing of our residents front and center, taking a strategic, intentional approach to mitigating burdensome changes as a result of recent federal policies.”
“H.R. 1 imposes unprecedented obstacles to life-saving benefits for Marylanders who simply want to put food on their tables to feed their families,” said Secretary of Human Services Rafael López. “Together with our partners and communities across the state, we are meeting the moment by working together in new ways. We are determined to make it as easy as possible for Marylanders to access the benefits they deserve. We encourage Marylanders to visit
marylandbenefits.gov to check their eligibility and apply for benefits.”
“A combined effort across state agencies will keep health care affordable for hard working families," said Executive Director Michele Eberle. “We will work tirelessly with our partners to remove barriers and ensure all Marylanders have access to quality health coverage.”
“We look forward to working with our fellow state agencies, partners, and communities on creative ways to sustain access to health coverage, despite federal challenges, said Marie Grant, Maryland Insurance Commissioner.”
Key discussion topics included:
- Current community sentiment and understanding of upcoming changes - as well as ways to most effectively reach impacted populations.
- Coordinated outreach to ensure Marylanders receive timely and accurate information and can provide feedback on support they need.
- Protecting Medicaid coverage and minimizing disruptions in SNAP and Marketplace benefits through increased flexibility and automating processes when possible.
- Ways to strengthen community partnerships and data-sharing efforts.
“Our agencies are united in their mission to protect Marylanders, and to keep people covered, no matter what changes come our way, “ Secretary Seshamani added.
State agencies have also shared updated resources, including
how H.R. 1 health coverage and services may change for Marylanders and how to prepare - as well as what
H.R. 1 means for the SNAP program and recipients.
Maryland remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting coverage, expanding communication, and supporting residents statewide through strong cross-agency collaboration and transparent engagement with partners and the public.
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The Maryland Department of Health is dedicated to protecting and improving the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease prevention, access to care, quality management, and community engagement.
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