MARYLAND AT A GLANCE

Eligibility for Medicaid is determined by local departments of social services. To apply for Medicaid assistance, Maryland residents visit their county or city department of social services. There, they are interviewed and submit an application. Generally, those who are either older than age 65, under age 21, disabled, blind, or caring for a child whose parent is unemployed, sick, or deceased are eligible for benefits.

As of March 2000, approximately 70% of qualifying Medicaid recipients are required to join one of eight State-regulated Managed Care Organizations. Exceptions are made for those who receive long-term care, certain mentally fragile children, or for the mentally handicapped, among others.

HEALTHCHOICE

HealthChoice help lines

HealthChoice is the program that places Medicaid recipients into Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). These organizations provide group insurance that covers medical services at select hospitals and clinics participating in HealthChoice and are responsible for meeting nearly all of the recipients' medical needs, except for mental health services and other specific care. Mental health services are provided by the Specialty Mental Health System, which is administered by the Mental Hygiene Administration.

A variety of major programs are offered through HealthChoice. Local health departments identify and enroll Medicaid recipients with special needs or disabilities (such as diabetes, homelessness, alcoholism, or drug addiction) into appropriate programs. One-on-one assistance is available for those who require it.

Additional State-sponsored services include infant and reproductive care through the Center for Maternal and Child Health, nutritional assistance offered by Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program, and medical care for children through the Maryland Children's Health Program.

To investigate and mediate disputes, health departments act through the Ombudsmen Program to handle enrollees' complaints. Concerns also may be addressed through the HealthChoice Enrollee Action Line at 1-800-284-4510.

The Rare and Expensive Case Management Program and the Stop Loss Case Management Program focus on patient needs and expenses that are not covered by Managed Care Organizations.

MEDICARE

Medicare is the federal government's health insurance program for Americans 65-years old or older and for those with certain disabilties.

PHARMACY ASSISTANCE

Initiated in 1978, the Pharmacy Assistance Program helps pay for prescriptions, insulin, and certain medical supplies for low-income individuals who are not eligible for Medicaid. The Program is entirely State-funded. During Fiscal Year 1999, Pharmacy Assistance each month helped an average of 25,008 persons at an annual cost of $37.3 million.

RENOWNED HEALTH-CARE INSTITUTIONS

In Baltimore are The Johns Hopkins Hospital and The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; the University of Maryland Schools of Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy; and the private University of Maryland Medical System, which serves as the primary teaching hospital for the University of Maryland School of Medicine and includes the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, a regional facility for trauma management. In Bethesda is the National Institutes of Health of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

PERSONNEL (licensed)
	1998	1999
Acupuncturists	480	570
Chiropractors	546	616
Counselors, Professional	1,800	1,922
Dental Hygienists	2,512	3,129
Dentists	5,405	3,277
Dieticians	1,260	825
Morticians	843	884
Nurses, Practical	8,358	7,500
Nurses, Registered	48,276	45,000
Physicians	21,000	21,967

FACILITIES (licensed or certified)
	1999	2002
Adult Day Care Centers	80	77
Ambulatory Surgical Centers	255	317
Assisted Living Programs	300	1,800
Birthing Centers	5	5
Developmental Disability Programs	2,158
Home Health Agencies	67	58
Hospice Programs	38	34
Hospitals	73	71
Laboratories	4,000	4,000
Mental Health Community Treatment Programs	541
Nursing Homes (comprehensive care)	258
Outpatient Physical Therapy	129	165
Outpatient Rehabilitation Centers	12	18
Residential Service Agencies	214	327
Residential Treatment Centers	14	14
Substance Abuse Treatment Programs	253	300

Monitored for Quality Assurance: Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)	13	10