Welcome to the inaugural issue of the Maryland Primary Care Program (MDPCP) Newsletter.  

As you may already know, Governor Larry Hogan, together with the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), recently announced the federal approval of Maryland’s Total Cost of Care All-Payer Model, known as the “Maryland Model” contract. The announcement also includes approval of the MDPCP, which will launch Jan. 1, 2019. 

The MDPCP is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical support to eligible Maryland primary care providers to assist practices in the transformation to “advanced primary care.” Primary care has always been the foundation of care in Maryland. With this program, our  primary care providers can play an increasingly important role in improving health outcomes, while reducing unnecessary Emergency Department and hospital visits. Read more about the program on our website, or view the Request for Applications (RFA).

In anticipation of the start of the MDPCP, the Program Management Office (PMO) at MDH wants to make every effort to inform Maryland primary care providers of this extraordinary opportunity.  The program offers unique and attractive benefits for patients and providers that are worthy of careful consideration. We hope that this newsletter will serve as just one resource that will allow you to stay apprised of the latest information on timelines, upcoming events, and general program news.

With your partnership, we can make this program a success and improve the health of all Marylanders. 

Howard Haft, MD, MMM, FACPE

Director, Program Management Office

Request for Applications Released

The RFA for the MDPCP was posted on the CMS website on June 8, 2018. The RFA contains specific information on the application process and program requirements. Though dates are subject to change, the general order of events for MDPCP is as follows:

• Care Transformation Organizations (CTOs) will submit electronic applications first; applications will be open June 8-July 23
• CTOs will be selected during the first application period and posted to the CMS website
• Practices will then submit electronic applications and have the option to select an approved CTO; practice applications will be open Aug. 1-Aug. 31
• CMS agreements for program participation will be signed by both CTOs and practices later this fall
• Selected practices and CTOs will begin in the program Jan. 1, 2019

Please see our timeline for a more detailed overview of the application and selection process.

MDPCP Educational Events

The PMO hosts many events to educate stakeholders about the upcoming MDPCP. Events include webinars, in-person meetings, and presentations. Events being held in the upcoming weeks include:

• Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Innovation (CMMI) Introduction to MDPCP for CTOs Webinar: Thursday, June 14, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
• Regional Provider Meeting, Frederick Region: Monday, June 18, 6-7 p.m.
• CMMI office hours for CTOs: Tuesday, June 26, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
• Regional Provider Meeting, Eastern Maryland: Wednesday, June 27, 6-7 p.m.
• Regional Provider Meeting, Western Maryland: Monday, July 9, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Full Calendar