The State of Maryland Department of Health Primary Care Program

The State of Maryland has entered into a Total Cost of Care All-Payer Model contr​act with the Federal Government that is designed to coordinate care for patients across both hospital and non-hospital settings, improve health outcomes, and constrain the growth of health care costs in Maryland. A key element of the model is the development of the Maryland Primary Care Program (MDPCP). MDPCP is a voluntary program open to all qualifying Maryland primary care providers that provides funding and support for the delivery of advanced primary care throughout the state. The MDPCP supports the overall health care transformation process and allows primary care providers to play an increased role in prevention, management of chronic disease, and preventing unnecessary hospital utilization.

The Maryland D​epartment of Health (MDH) has worked closely with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish the MDPCP. The Program Management Office (PMO) within MDH’s Public Health Services is responsible for implementing this innovative health care transformation program in conjunction with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI). The material presented herein provides additional descriptions and resources regarding the MDPCP.

As of January 2020, CareFirst has joined the program as an aligned payer. The following Comparison Table​ provides a summary of the key differences between Medicare MDPCP and CareFirst's aligned Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) program. Please see our MDPCP-CareFirst Alignment FAQs​ for additional information.

The application period​ for practices, FQHCs,​ and CTOs to apply to participate beginning January 1, 2023 is now closed. Interested practices, FQHCs, and CTOs will have a final opportunity to apply to join the MDPCP in Spring/Summer 2023 for participation beginning January 2024. Please vi​sit our Application Page for more details.