Developmental Disabilities Services - Expedited Eligibility Determinations for Recently Relocated Individuals (Ralph's Act)
Sponsor: Jeff Waldstreicher (District 18)Committee: FinanceSubject: Public HealthStatus: First Reading House Rules and Executive Nominations (as of Sep 4, 2026)
What this bill does
Official synopsis
Requiring the Maryland Department of Health to provide an expedited Medicaid eligibility determination for developmental disabilities services to certain individuals who received certain services in another state and relocated in the State; and requiring the Department to begin the determination process before an individual establishes residency in the State under certain circumstances
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Testimony (17)
MGA witness listFAV 16FavorableUNF 1Unfavorable
| Position | Witness | Organization | Testimony |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAV | Evans, Scott | Benedictine | Oral + Written (PDF) |
| FAV | Wamsley, David | Emerge, Inc. | Oral + Written (PDF) |
| FAV | Shewbridge, Rylielobbyist | Fello | Written (PDF) |
| FAV | Kocik, Jimara | HCAS | Position only |
| FAV | Arneson, Emilylobbyist | Kennedy Krieger Institute | Written (PDF) |
| FAV | Snyder, Gregorylobbyist | Maryland Association of Community Services | Oral + Written (PDF) |
| FAV | Arias, Dianelobbyist | Maryland Catholic Conference | Written (PDF) |
| FAV | Plante, Cecilia | Maryland Legislative Coalition | Written (PDF) |
| FAV | Othman, Ronza | National Federation of the Blind of Maryland | Written (PDF) |
| FAV | Paddy, Michaellobbyist | Public Policy Partners | Written (PDF) |
| FAV | Crespo, Virginialobbyist | Individual | Written (PDF) |
| FAV | Hennes, Stefanie | Individual | Oral + Written (PDF) |
| FAV | Hougham, Victoria | Individual | Written (PDF) |
| FAV | Kolp, Ande | Individual | Oral + Written (PDF) |
| FAV | Senator Waldstreicher, Senator Waldstreicherlegislator | Individual | Oral |
| FAV | York, Katie | Individual | Position only |
| UNF | Lynch, Meghan | Maryland Department of Health | Written (PDF) |
Organizations on record
Registered lobbyists who testified
FAVShewbridge, RylieFelloRegistered for: Fello; City of Frederick; City of Westminster; Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund; League of Life & Health Insurers of Maryland, Inc.; Maryland Children's Alliance, Inc.…
FAVSnyder, GregoryMaryland Association of Community ServicesRegistered for: Maryland Association of Community Services (MACS)
FAVPaddy, MichaelPublic Policy PartnersRegistered for: American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network; Campaign to Protect Patient Health d/b/a Value of Care Coalition; Chase Brexton Health System; Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition; Gaudenzia, Inc.; Gilead Sciences, Inc.…