Dear Members of the Medicaid and CommunityChoice Advisory Committees:
 
I am writing to introduce myself and to address an important policy issue facing both Maryland's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene ("the Department") and the Committees.  As you know, in August 2005 the Department submitted a waiver application to the federal government to implement the CommunityChoice Managed Long-Term Care Program ("CommunityChoice") (based on Senate Bill 819, which was passed during the 2004 Session).  In January 2007, however, the Department learned that the federal government plans to deny the application as submitted. 
 
After careful consideration and reasoned debate within the Department, I have decided that we will no longer pursue CommunityChoice.  Although the Department remains committed to the goals of CommunityChoice - improving access to community services; offering more consumer choice; promoting high-quality services; and balancing fiscal challenges - we believe that the anticipated federal denial presents an opportunity to reevaluate long-term care reform efforts in Maryland.  The policy decision to explore additional ways to achieve the goals enunciated by CommunityChoice in no way impacts our commitment to this important effort, and I am writing to underscore that the Department remains committed to working closely with you to develop other recommendations and options concerning long-term care over the next several months.  This effort remains a high priority of the Department. 
 
Again, I look forward to working closely with you over the next several months, and I thank you for all of your past and as well as your continued efforts to benefit Maryland.  If you have any questions, please contact Tricia Roddy at 410-767-5809.  We will contact you in April (after the legislative session) to coordinate this effort. 
 
Sincerely,
 
John Colmers
Secretary