AGP Executive Report

Maternal Health Coverage Crunch: A new report from Sage Growth Partners warns of a “Medicaid Maternity Cliff,” with 52% of Medicaid mothers expecting to lose coverage during eligibility redeterminations and 84% of health plan leaders anticipating care disruption—raising risks like delayed prenatal/postpartum visits and broken continuity. AI in Care, Policy Pressure: In Washington, Trump and Kennedy are pushing to relax AI healthcare safeguards, while clinicians in the field say AI note tools can still miss nuance and emotional context. Maryland Drug Cost Watch: Maryland’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board set an upper payment limit for Ozempic, aiming to lower costs for state and local governments starting in 2027. Public Health & Safety: Chesapeake Bay blue crabs show a rebound in the latest survey, but Maryland also faces ongoing food and safety alerts, including a multi-state ice cream recall tied to possible metal fragments. Local Crime: Prince George’s County police arrested a suspect in the stabbing death of 17-year-old Amari Clarke.

Medicaid “Maternity Cliff” Warning: A new Baltimore-area report says 52% of Medicaid mothers expect to lose coverage during eligibility redeterminations, with plan leaders predicting major prenatal and postpartum disruptions—delays, continuity breakdowns, and added financial barriers. Medicaid Enrollment Push: Maryland’s health secretary says the state will use existing data and outreach to reduce paperwork and keep eligible people enrolled as new federal requirements ramp up in 2027. Maternal Care After Dobbs: A study finds abortion bans are linked to reduced miscarriage medication management and less use of the most effective protocols. Rural Health Focus: Maryland hosted a rural healthcare roundtable on workforce and the Rural Health Transformation program. Local Public Health Alerts: Maryland issued a Code Orange air quality alert for Monday, and the state is monitoring western Maryland trees after frost damage and caterpillar outbreaks. Child Welfare Case: Talbot County announced an Easton man’s arrest on alleged non-accidental trauma charges involving a child.

Maternal Health Coverage Crunch: A new Baltimore-area report warns of a “Medicaid Maternity Cliff” as eligibility redeterminations loom—52% of Medicaid moms surveyed expect to lose coverage, and 84% of health plan leaders anticipate disruptions that could delay or derail prenatal and postpartum care. Behavioral Health Expansion: Altitude Behavioral Care and Integrative Health says it’s now accepting new patients in Clinton, expanding psychiatric and mental health capacity across Maryland with telepsychiatry and same-day appointments. Sleep Apnea Tech in Maryland: AIOMEGA will present new pediatric and adult airway research at SLEEP 2026 in Baltimore, highlighting updates on its oral appliance platform. FDA Oversight Watch: In April, the FDA inspected one company in an Anne Arundel County city—Sungwon Distributor, LLC—flagging “voluntary action indicated.” Policy & Litigation Ripple Effects: A major cannabis class action, Murray v. Cresco, targets marketing practices across 12 states, with implications for insurers underwriting the sector.

Maternal Care Warning: A new Baltimore-based report says a “Medicaid Maternity Cliff” is coming—52% of Medicaid mothers surveyed expect to lose coverage after eligibility redeterminations, and 84% of health plan leaders warn that could mean moderate to severe breaks in prenatal and postpartum care, including delayed or avoided visits (72%) and higher financial barriers (64%). Public Health & Environment: Elsewhere, environmental groups are pushing a federal lawsuit to tighten pollution rules for trash incinerators, arguing current standards still fall short. Clinical Research: At the AUA meeting, researchers highlighted how common medications may affect sexual health and fertility, including low-dose finasteride and semen quality concerns. Tick Season Alert: The CDC says ER visits for tick bites are at their highest for this time of year since 2017, with Lyme treatment demand rising. Maryland Spotlight: Frederick County honored first responders for saving a teen after a 2024 party shooting in Urbana.

Maternal Health Warning: A new report from Sage Growth Partners flags a “Medicaid Maternity Cliff,” saying 52% of Medicaid mothers expect to lose coverage during eligibility redeterminations, with plan leaders warning many will delay or skip prenatal and postpartum care. Public Safety—Shooting: Baltimore County police say a suspect is in custody after a Friday night shooting in Arbutus left a 16-year-old injured; charges are pending. Trauma Care Upgrade: Annapolis Fire Department launched a prehospital whole blood program using Low-Titer O Positive blood for severe bleeding emergencies, aiming to speed lifesaving treatment before patients reach hospitals. Food Safety Alert: USDA expanded a public health alert tied to a dairy recall, adding more frozen pizza and snack varieties and urging people not to eat listed products. Corrections Accountability: Maryland AG Brown announced sentencing for former Jessup Correctional Institution staff in separate contraband smuggling cases.

Maternal Care Warning: A new Baltimore-area report from Sage Growth Partners says a “Medicaid Maternity Cliff” is coming—52% of Medicaid moms expect to lose coverage during eligibility redeterminations, and 84% of health plan leaders fear moderate to severe disruptions to prenatal and postpartum care. Public Health Policy: Maryland AG Anthony Brown joined a coalition pushing back on an EPA proposal to roll back ethylene oxide limits, warning it could raise cancer risk for hundreds of thousands living near sterilization sites. Clinical Research: At the AUA meeting, new kidney-stone studies spotlight better prevention and an anesthesia-free approach to stone removal. Local Medicaid Billing: In Linthicum, Medicaid Evaluation and Management payments rose 12.2% in 2024, while Annapolis saw $4.57M billed for medicine services and procedures. Health Tech/Regulation: FDA inspection data show one Howard County-area firm received a “voluntary action indicated” result in April. Care Access/Workforce: MUW hired Bernard Hopkins to lead its men’s basketball program, following a coaching change.

Maternal Care Warning: A new Maryland-area report says a “Medicaid Maternity Cliff” is coming—52% of Medicaid moms surveyed expect to lose coverage during eligibility redeterminations, and leaders warn that could mean delayed prenatal and postpartum care. Preakness Weekend Safety: At Laurel Park, a horse named Hit Zero died after the opening Black-Eyed Susan Day race; officials cited a cardiac event and ordered a necropsy, renewing scrutiny of track safety. Courts & Privacy: The U.S. Supreme Court is weighing whether police can use location data from apps under the third-party doctrine, a case that could reshape digital privacy rules. Public Health Leadership: The FDA’s human foods program is getting an acting lead, with a veterinarian stepping in temporarily as agency leadership shifts. Violence & Justice: A Hagerstown man faces attempted murder charges after allegedly stabbing a Meritus Medical Center security guard. Rescue Ops: Crews rescued two people from Piney Island near Holtwood Dam after difficult terrain required a Maryland State Police helicopter hoist.

Maternal Care Warning: A new report from Sage Growth Partners says a “maternal healthcare cliff” is coming as 52% of Medicaid mothers expect to lose coverage during eligibility redeterminations, with plan leaders citing delayed or avoided prenatal and postpartum care as the biggest clinical risk. Opioid Settlement Money: Delaware says it’s now legally effective on a $7.4B Purdue Pharma/Sackler settlement—funds for communities and victims, with the Sacklers permanently barred from selling opioids in the U.S. Hantavirus Watch: CDC says 41 people are being monitored for hantavirus in the U.S., but no cases have been reported here; officials stress risk is low while monitoring continues. Mental Health in Schools: A Maryland high school theater program used a touring play about suicide and depression to spark student conversations and connect them to support. Ketamine Access Expands: A ketamine clinic opened in Columbia, positioning itself as a new option for depression, anxiety, PTSD and chronic pain. Public Safety: Baltimore reported a fatal double shooting in southwest Baltimore early Friday.

Maternal Care Warning: A new report flags a “maternal healthcare cliff” in Maryland and beyond, saying 52% of Medicaid mothers expect to lose coverage as eligibility redeterminations roll on—health plan leaders warn that could mean delayed or skipped prenatal and postpartum care. Medicaid Fraud Pushback: The state of Hawaii is defending its Medicaid fraud unit after VP J.D. Vance blasted it as ineffective, while Maryland coverage also keeps spotlighting fraud enforcement and funding pressure. Local Health Court Fight: Howard County residents are pressing to move forward in court against W.R. Grace over its plastics recycling research using pyrolysis, after neighbors say health concerns persist and they’re still waiting on a written board decision. Health-Linked Research: New findings suggest heart attack survivors face higher risk of later cognitive decline. Public Safety Spillover: Separate Baltimore County shootings left a woman dead in Catonsville and two people critically injured in Owings Mills, underscoring how quickly health and safety stories collide.

Maternal Care Warning: A new report from Sage Growth Partners flags a “Medicaid Maternity Cliff” in Maryland, with 52% of Medicaid mothers expecting to lose coverage during eligibility redeterminations and plan leaders warning of delayed or avoided prenatal/postpartum care. Insurance Costs: UnitedHealthCare is asking Maryland regulators to raise small-business premiums by an average 7.9% (on top of a prior 9.4% increase), affecting 26,000+ people. Public Health Oversight: The FDA reports record-low tobacco inspections in Maryland in 2025, raising questions about enforcement. Behavioral Health Funding: Maryland’s neighbors are fighting over mental health dollars—Florida lawmakers remain split on expanding Medicaid capacity for severe psychiatric and substance-use needs. Safety and Access: Baltimore police shootings and crisis calls continue to dominate local headlines, including a deadly officer-involved incident tied to reports of attempted suicide. Care in Motion: Maryland ExpressCare and Shock Trauma’s GO-Team were deployed after a complex Baltimore crash, underscoring the state’s push for higher-acuity response.

Maternal Care Warning: A new report from Sage Growth Partners says a “Medicaid Maternity Cliff” is coming—52% of Medicaid mothers expect to lose coverage during eligibility redeterminations, and 84% of plan leaders fear moderate to severe disruption, with delays or avoided prenatal/postpartum care topping the list. Baltimore Public Safety: A prisoner who escaped police custody was recaptured after five days on the loose, and a Baltimore man was convicted in a 2019 triple shooting that killed a 16-year-old. Youth Violence Prevention: Baltimore rolled out its summer youth engagement strategy and curfews, touting fewer youth victims of shootings and assaults since the program expanded. Healthcare Policy Pressure: The Trump administration’s Medicaid fraud crackdown escalated again, with VP JD Vance warning states they could lose federal funding—and California’s $1.3B Medicaid reimbursement deferral drew immediate backlash. Hantavirus Monitoring: Maryland health officials said two residents are being monitored after possible exposure during a flight tied to an infected cruise passenger.

Medicaid “Maternity Cliff” Warning: A new Baltimore-area report says 52% of Medicaid mothers expect to lose coverage during eligibility redeterminations, and plan leaders fear delayed or avoided prenatal and postpartum care. Local Fraud Crackdown: Maryland’s AG says nine Eastern Shore family members were indicted in a coordinated Medicaid fraud scheme—among them a Princess Anne police officer and a Somerset County deputy. Court Fight Over Trans Rooming: A federal appeals court heard arguments in a dispute over Jeffco’s overnight trip rooming rules, where families want advance notice when a transgender student is assigned as a roommate. Public Health Watch: Maryland is among states monitoring people after a hantavirus exposure tied to the MV Hondius cruise outbreak. State Health Leadership: Former FDA commissioner Marty Makary resigned as the agency’s next leadership role shifts to a deputy commissioner.

Maternal Care Warning: A new Baltimore-based report says a “Medicaid Maternity Cliff” is coming—52% of Medicaid moms surveyed expect to lose coverage during eligibility redeterminations, and plan leaders warn that could mean delayed prenatal and postpartum care. Public Health Watch: Maryland health officials are monitoring possible hantavirus exposures tied to a cruise outbreak, with experts stressing the risk is low but expecting more cases. Workplace Safety: A Hagerstown church construction collapse sent two workers to the hospital and is under investigation by Maryland’s workplace safety agency. Local Policy: Baltimore County signed pet-protection legislation aimed at cracking down on reckless owners. Community Health & Access: A Cheverly man was arrested after his 85-year-old mother died from stab wounds; investigators are still sorting out details. Data Center Fight: Harford County residents pressed for emergency action as leaders weigh a moratorium and possible longer-term ban.

Maternal Care Warning: A new report from Sage Growth Partners says a “Medicaid Maternity Cliff” is coming—52% of Medicaid mothers surveyed expect to lose coverage during eligibility redeterminations, and 84% of health plan leaders anticipate moderate to severe disruptions, with risks like delayed prenatal/postpartum care and higher financial barriers. Medicaid Fraud Crackdown: On the Eastern Shore, a family tied to Maryland’s Self-Directed Services Program—including two law enforcement officers—was indicted in a coordinated Medicaid fraud scheme involving alleged forged records and misuse of recipient information. Opioid Lawsuit Fallout: Baltimore dropped its opioid lawsuit after Maryland’s Supreme Court vacated key verdicts and limited how local governments can use public nuisance claims. Public Health Watch: Maryland is monitoring two residents after possible hantavirus exposure tied to a cruise passenger, as other states track similar cases. Policy & Access: Baltimore City approved a one-year data center moratorium with a study on impacts to energy, ratepayers, and public health.

Hantavirus Watch: Maryland health officials are monitoring two residents after a flight passenger was infected with hantavirus tied to the MV Hondius outbreak; the state says the public risk is “very low,” but people are being checked at specialized facilities. Hospital & Health Policy: A Johns Hopkins-linked study finds that fragmented daily activity rhythms in older adults track with brain volume loss in Alzheimer’s-vulnerable areas, pointing to sleep and routine as a possible modifiable factor. Mental Health Access: Maryland providers are continuing to spotlight ketamine therapy for treatment-resistant depression, while local advocates push for more Black men to seek therapy and talk openly about trauma. Public Health Costs: Marylanders are still feeling the pinch after federal Affordable Care Act enhanced tax credits expired, with premiums jumping for many exchange enrollees. Local Safety: A Laurel restaurant was temporarily shut down after a Cinco de Mayo shooting and stabbing left five injured, with city officials citing permit and security-plan issues.

Food Safety Recall: Giant Eagle Baked Pita Chips (Parmesan, Garlic & Herb) are being pulled in multiple states after a Salmonella risk tied to a recalled milk powder ingredient. Public Health Research: Johns Hopkins-linked work finds that more fragmented daily activity/rest patterns in older adults track with brain volume loss in areas tied to Alzheimer’s. Aviation & Environment: Maryland lawmakers say they’re still waiting on answers from the Air Force about a delayed response to a major jet fuel spill at Andrews into Piscataway Creek. Local Safety: A Laurel restaurant was temporarily shut down after a Cinco de Mayo shooting and stabbing left five injured, with city officials citing misrepresented security plans. Health Policy/Politics: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore faces backlash after saying he’d support his underage son’s gender transition. Care Workforce: A Baltimore conference spotlighted sterile processing training and the push to read sterilization monitoring data—not just check boxes.