MedChi and the Maryland Behavioral Health Coalition are actively lobbying to restore Medicaid cuts proposed in the Hogan budget.  In mid-March, the Maryland House Appropriations Committee made final budget decisions, restoring approximately $178.6 million to various programs that had previously been cut, including $1.6M to restore E&M codes for psychiatrists to 93% of Medicare effective April 1, 2015 (the O’Malley Administration had reduced these codes to 87%).  Other funds to be restored include the 2% community mental health provider rate cut, returning the physician Medicaid rates from 87% of Medicare equivalence to 93%, and continuing community mental health provider rates at current levels through FY 16.  In addition, $2 million would expand substance use disorder treatment targeted at individuals with heroin addiction. There is still a long way to go before the full House the Senate make their budget decisions and Governor Hogan accepts their actions.