Maryland
Hogan urges CareFirst and Johns Hopkins health system to resolve impasse – Maryland Matters
![Hogan urges CareFirst and Johns Hopkins health system to resolve impasse – Maryland Matters Hogan urges CareFirst and Johns Hopkins health system to resolve impasse – Maryland Matters](https://www.marylandmatters.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/GettyImages-1215411761-scaled.jpg)
A lingering contract dispute between the state’s largest well being care system and its greatest insurance coverage service is threatening to disrupt the well being protection that lots of of hundreds of Marylanders depend on — and Gov. Larry Hogan (R) is urging the 2 sides to resolve their variations as shortly as potential.
The dispute facilities across the reimbursement charges Johns Hopkins receives for care supplied by hundreds of its docs, nurses and different well being care professionals. Hospitalization companies are lined underneath a separate settlement.
The 2 firms proceed to barter and each have expressed optimism that they’ll attain a brand new settlement earlier than the present pact expires. However final month — amid ongoing discussions — Hopkins notified its practically 300,000 CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield sufferers that it intends to go away the insurer’s community efficient Dec. 5.
Hospital officers stated they issued the discover, on Sept. 6, to offer the general public time to arrange. The prevailing settlement between Hopkins and CareFirst requires the hospital to supply 90 days’ discover earlier than leaving the community.
“Our sufferers are our high precedence,” Hopkins stated in an announcement. “We’re doing every part we will to return to a decision with CareFirst, together with assembly with them usually — typically a number of occasions per week.”
“We’re hopeful that we’ll attain a good resolution earlier than the December 5 deadline,” the assertion added.
CareFirst officers known as the Hopkins transfer pointless.
“We remorse Johns Hopkins’ resolution to terminate our current contracts and don’t agree it was crucial to place the folks we collectively serve in the course of an ongoing negotiation,” the service stated in an announcement posted on its web site.
In an announcement to Maryland Issues, CareFirst stated it’s “advocating for affordable compensation phrases that set a basis for inexpensive, accessible healthcare in our shared communities.”
“CareFirst and Johns Hopkins proceed to barter in good religion, assembly usually to work in direction of decision,” CareFirst added within the assertion.
If no settlement is reached, CareFirst prospects might be pressured to pay extra for care or go elsewhere, a scenario that probably would have essentially the most affect on sufferers who’re already being handled for an sickness.
Hogan instructed reporters on Friday that he’s “very conscious” and “very involved” in regards to the lingering dispute, significantly since “open season” for state staff to make well being care choices for 2023 is underway. Hogan stated “most” state staff obtain their medical insurance by means of CareFirst.
“I feel it’s very unlucky that we have now two firms, each CareFirst and Johns Hopkins, combating with each other,” the governor stated. “I do know that there are ongoing negotiations. And we’re going to place as a lot stress on them as potential to succeed in an settlement…”
Hogan stated the state doesn’t have a proper position to play in resolving the dispute, however given the distinguished place the 2 firms play, “lots of of hundreds of Marylanders’ insurance coverage can’t be in a tug of struggle between Johns Hopkins and CareFirst.”
The governor gave no indication what points are driving the obvious stalemate, and neither did the 2 firms. However in a video, Johns Hopkins Well being System President Kevin Sowers made it clear that the the hospital is in search of extra for the companies its personnel present.
“The rise that we’re requesting is essential and goes to assist your physicians, your nurses and the care-teams round them,” he stated. “I imagine that CareFirst desires to do what’s proper for the well being of our group and that we can attain a good settlement….”
Sowers sought to guarantee sufferers lined by CareFirst, saying “nothing has modified but….”
Gene Ransom, head of MedChi, the Maryland State Medical Society, stated the docs his group represents have encountered nice issue negotiating with CareFirst, due to its market share.
“CareFirst has unbelievable market energy, and it places folks negotiating in a really tough scenario,” he stated. “If Johns Hopkins physicians, which is without doubt one of the largest doctor teams within the state of Maryland, can’t negotiate truthful charges, how can anyone.”
In a Sept. 20 Maryland Issues commentary, Ransom argued that Maryland suffers from a scarcity of competitors within the well being care market.
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Maryland
University System of Maryland to only allow university-sponsored events on October 7
![University System of Maryland to only allow university-sponsored events on October 7 University System of Maryland to only allow university-sponsored events on October 7](https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/937564c/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5312x2789+0+100/resize/1200x630!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fewscripps-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F16%2F61%2F70999d9446deb2038878edb3108f%2Fumd-administration-building-2015-1.jpg)
University of Maryland President William Pines announced this weekend that only university-sponsored activities “that promote reflection” will be held on October 7th.
The day will mark one year since Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel killed around 1,200 people and took around 250 hostages. Israel retaliated, declaring war on Hamas, which has resulted in more than 40,000 people dead, according to Gaza health officials.
This came after the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) group had reserved the McKeldin Mall and Jewish organizations on campus had reserved Hornbake Plaza on October 7th to mark the day.
The announcement cancels both of these events.
“Jointly, out of an abundance of caution,” wrote Pines in an email to the campus community, “we concluded to host only university-sponsored events that promote reflection on this day. All other expressive events will be held prior to October 7, and then resume on October 8 in accordance with time, place and manner considerations of the First Amendment.”
This policy is in place for all University System of Maryland Schools.
“The intent is not to abridge students’ right to free expression; the intent is, instead, to be sensitive to the needs of our students. Our university communities may use this day to safely come together to reflect and to share, to learn and to listen, and, yes, to challenge one another. That’s the premise—and the promise—of higher education.”
-University System of Maryland Statement
SJP wrote in a statement on its Instagram account: “We as Students for Justice in Palestine are deeply angered, though not surprised, by the University of Maryland administration’s decision to cancel our reservation for a vigil at McKeldin Mall on October 7th.”
It continues, “Rest assured that we will find ways to mark this one year of genocide and one year of resistance.”
University of Maryland students worried about antisemitism on campus
The Jewish Student Union also posted a statement to its Instagram account.
“We are reassured to learn that Students for Justice in Palestine at the University of Maryland will no longer be permitted to host their event on McKeldin Mall, or anywhere on campus, on October 7th,” the organization writes.
“Only university-sponsored events will occur on October 7th,” they continued. “While this is not an ideal situation, it ensures that our physical and psychological safety is protected on this day of grief.”
In the email from Pines, he noted that a safety assessment had been done and that there was “no immediate or active threat.”
The Jewish Student Union added that they would be holding an event to memorialize the day at Maryland Hillel, a center for Jewish life and students, which is located just off campus.
The UMD Chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace also released a statement standing with SJP “in their anger with the university admin’s decision to cancel our registration to hold a joint vigil on October 7th.”
The email from Pines added that “we encourage our entire community to mark the anniversary of October 7 with remembrance and reflection.”
At the moment, it’s unclear what university-sponsored events will take place on October 7th, at the College Park campus.
Maryland
Best Online Colleges In Maryland Of 2024
![Best Online Colleges In Maryland Of 2024 Best Online Colleges In Maryland Of 2024](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Maryland-1.jpg)
Pro Tip
Ensure that your prospective college offers globally recognized credentials if you plan to further your education or practice internationally.
Consider Your Future Goals
Considering your goals when choosing an online college helps you select a program that fits your current needs and prepares you for long-term success.
If you intend to work right after graduation, choose a program that aligns with your desired career path. Look for concentrations or specialized tracks that can provide in-depth knowledge in your field.
However, if you plan to pursue further education such as a master’s or doctoral degree, ensure that credits from your online college are transferable to other schools. Also ensure that the college’s credentials are globally recognized, if you intend to work or study abroad.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
Online colleges in Maryland (particularly private institutions), can be quite expensive, compared to other online schools. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average undergraduate tuition and required fees for four-year public schools is $9,750 per year; meanwhile, enrollees in four-year private colleges may pay north of $38,000 per year.
If private university tuition is out of your budget, consider enrolling in a state-owned online school such as the University of Maryland Global Campus, which only requires about $8,000 in annual tuition and fees.
Aside from seeking affordable online programs, here are other ways to fund your college education:
- Complete the FAFSA®
- Apply for institutional scholarships
- Take a private student loan
- Enroll in a work-study program
- Ask your employer about a tuition reimbursement program
Maryland
Maryland voters weigh in on presidential election, governor’s approval in new Gonzales Poll
![Maryland voters weigh in on presidential election, governor’s approval in new Gonzales Poll Maryland voters weigh in on presidential election, governor’s approval in new Gonzales Poll](https://assets2.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2024/09/03/38829637-9a7e-4385-b9c4-1dab1e5eb53d/thumbnail/1200x630/828b5ff2405662f3f8e86587e46507f2/maryland.jpg?v=25685eaa472b1a5dbb5bd46ae506d232)
BALTIMORE – With a little more than two months until election day, the majority of Marylanders surveyed in the new Gonzales Poll would vote for Vice President Kamala Harris over Donald Trump for president.
A total of 820 registered voters in Maryland who indicated they are likely to vote in the 2024 general election were queried for the poll by live telephone interviews, utilizing both landline and cellphone numbers between August 24 and August 30.
A cross-section of interviews was conducted throughout the state, reflecting Maryland’s general election voting patterns, the pollster said.
The Gonzales Poll stated that “the margin of error, per accepted statistical standards, is a range of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points and if the entire population was surveyed, there is a 95% probability that the true numbers would fall within this range.”
Presidential survey
According to the latest Gonzales Poll, 56% of Marylanders surveyed said they would vote for Harris over Trump for president.
The poll says 84% of Democrats support the Harris/Tim Walz ticket and 80% of Republicans support the Trump/JD Vance ticket. Also, 83% of Black voters polled would vote for Harris/Walz.
Among the independents, 38% favor Harris/Walz and 36% prefer Trump/Vance, according to the poll.
Gov. Moore’s approval gets a bump
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, who led the state’s response to the deadly Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in March, has the approval of 64% of Marylanders surveyed. Moore has a 35% “mostly soft approval” among Republicans who were surveyed (7% strongly approve, 28% somewhat approve),” the poll shows.
His approval rating increased by 33% since the last Gonzales Poll in the winter.
Last month, the governor spoke at the Democratic National Convention in support of Harris, who was nominated as the party’s presidential candidate.
He framed Harris’ candidacy as “the story of a prosecutor who defended our freedoms and had Maryland’s back when we needed it most. And now MVP: We’ve got yours.”
President Biden’s approval
The Gonzales Poll shows that 53% of Maryland voters surveyed approve of the job President Joe Biden is doing, while 45% disapprove. Seventy-six percent of the Democrats believe Biden is doing a good job in office, and 84% of Republicans disagree.
State transportation and juvenile reform
According to the poll, 95% of Marylanders think it is “important for the State to invest in improving its transportation infrastructure.”
And, when it comes to juvenile crime, voters were asked, “What type of laws, in your opinion, ultimately better help our children under 18 who commit crimes – Laws that are strict, which include things such as juvenile detention and boot camps. This hold individuals responsible and accountable for their behavior; or Laws that are lenient, which include social programs and counseling. This recognizes that society is responsible for much of this behavior?”
The poll shows that 58% of Marylanders are in favor of strict laws, which holds juveniles responsible and accountable for their behavior, and only 34% desire laws that are lenient.
“A majority of nearly every demographic group backs strict laws to inspire a sense of personal responsibility and to best assist our juvenile offenders ultimately realize at least a chance at a successful, happy life,” the poll said.
Is the country going in the right direction?
Fifty percent of Marylanders polled say the country is headed in the right direction, while 45% say the country is headed in the wrong direction.
According to the poll, 93% of Maryland voters who think the country is moving in the right direction are voting for Harris/Walz, and 70% of Maryland voters who think the country is moving in the wrong direction are voting for Trump/Vance.
In the previous poll, 41% of voters said the country was headed in the right direction.
“The mood of voters in Maryland vis-à-vis how they perceive things overall going in the country is a tad less grumpy than it was in winter,” the Gonzales Poll said.
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