Legislative analysts and DHS spar over MD THINK costs and certification as subcommittee hears fiscal 2026 request

The Department of Human Services defended a $344.7 million fiscal 2026 administration allowance and sought to reassure lawmakers that MD THINK — the state’s cloud-based health and human services platform — is improving, while legislative analysts pressed DHS to explain cost escalations and delayed certifications.

Natalie Andrade, the Department of Legislative Services budget analyst, told the subcommittee the fiscal 2026 DHS administration allowance rises by $29.2 million, or 9.3%, to $344,700,000. "The increase is primarily driven by MD THINK related expenses for operations and maintenance as well as salary adjustment and associated fringe benefits," Andrade said during her presentation.

Why it matters: MD THINK consolidates multiple legacy systems for eligibility, case management and child support and now supports other state agencies, which means cost and management questions carry broad fiscal and operational implications. A March 2024 audit by the Department of Information Technology found the project’s budget and schedule had grown significantly, and DLS asked the committee to request a report on MD THINK’s costs, implementation and long‑term sustainability.

DHS officials described steps taken to address functionality and certification…