Changes to Md. Medicare waiver in works

Maryland officials say they will apply in the next several weeks to the federal government in hopes of avoiding the risk of losing what is estimated to be roughly $1 billion in Medicare reimbursements annually under a unique arrangement.

 

   John Colmers, chairman of the state's Health Services Cost Review Commission, told a panel of lawmakers on Tuesday that he has been encouraged by discussions with the federal Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

 

   Maryland has had the Medicare waiver since 1977. It allows Medicare and Medicaid payments to be made based on rates set by the state commission, instead of national federal payment principals. 

 

   However, Maryland meets tests showing cumulative growth in state payments do not exceed those nationally. The state is getting close to failing to meet the standard.