The HHS Committee session held on February 13, 2025, focused on several key issues related to budget adjustments and system integrations within Maryland's health and human services framework. The meeting commenced with a report linked to written testimony, presented by Acting CFO Jessica Smith.

One significant topic discussed was the increase in the Office of Home Energy Assistance (OHA) budget by $23 million. Smith clarified that this increase was not related to the call center contract, as previously questioned by the Department of Legislative Services (DLS). Instead, it was a technical adjustment to align federal fund appropriations with the total available funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) grants. The team plans to work with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to correct the labeling error in the budget management system.

Following this, Ted addressed concerns regarding the Child, Juvenile, and Adult Management System (CJAMS) and the Department of Juvenile Services' (DJS) decision to discontinue its use. CJAMS serves as the state's record system for Title IV-E eligibility, which is crucial for supporting children under the care of both the Department of Human Services (DHS) and DJS. The committee is collaborating with DJS to ensure that any new system they adopt will integrate with CJAMS to maintain eligibility determinations for federal funding.

The discussion also included updates on MD THINK certifications for the Child Support Management System (CSMS) and the Eligibility and Enrollment (E&E) system. Smith reported that one certification with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutritional Service was completed in March 2021. However, the certification with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is still pending. The committee has been actively working with CMS to expedite this process.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted important budgetary adjustments and ongoing efforts to ensure system integrations that support the state's health and human services programs. The committee's proactive approach aims to enhance service delivery for Maryland's vulnerable populations. Further updates and follow-up actions are expected as these initiatives progress.