CE_RFA_Pre-application_virtual_meeting_-_2026_01_13_13_45_EST_-_Notes_by_Gemini (1).pdf

Jan 13, 2026

CE RFA Pre-application virtual meeting - Transcript 00:00:00

Mandy Baum -MDH-: came in for a minute.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: you hear me now? You can hear me. Okay, Tamar, you can't hear. It's you. Can't hear you. I got Mandy, can you say something? I can't hear you either. Oh, Mandy Baum -MDH-: Can you Shirelle Green -MHBE-: maybe it's this.

Mandy Baum -MDH-: hear?

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Okay. Try this. Okay. Can you hear me? Okay. It's still to mirror.

Mandy Baum -MDH-: Mhm.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Trina, can you hear me?

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: Yep. Loud and clear.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Okay.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: It's probably her. She might have to um sign off. You might have to reboot, Tamara. Sometimes when those updates happen throughout the day, that's what's going to have to happen. You might have to Mandy Baum -MDH-: I'm dead.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: reboot.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: I think she said okay.

00:01:24

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: All Trina Middleton -MHBE-: Hey there, Mandy. How are you?

Mandy Baum -MDH-: I'm good.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: right.

Mandy Baum -MDH-: How about Trina Middleton -MHBE-: Good. Good. Let's see if she could hear this time.

Mandy Baum -MDH-: you?

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: Tamara, we can't hear Mandy Baum -MDH-: Down.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: you. All right, I got some paint in people in the waiting room. I'm going to go ahead and let them in.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Oh my goodness. I don't know him. I'm not ready. Don't forget to confirm that about the payroll. What's that now? Confirm that Jose got you something different with it. Yeah, I'm put this little mute. I'm I'm posting Hello, hello, hello everyone. Hello Josh, Rachel, Leslie, Nia. My name is Charerelle and I'm the procurement officer of for this procurement. And can you um put your name, the company you're with, and your email address in the chat so that I can keep a record of who's in attendance today?

00:03:11

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: I don't know why. I thought I was letting these people in. I don't know.

Trina, you letting everyone in?

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: I am.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Okay. Thank you.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: Yep.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Okay.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: It's always hard to host and and let people in. So, I got you covered.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: All right. Cuz I can't even see the button girl at this point.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: Yeah, Shirelle Green -MHBE-: I don't know.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: I got you.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Look.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: No worries.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: All right.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: You're Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Okay. And then so we will get started in a few minutes.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: good.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: It's 2 o'clock. We're gonna let some um give everybody a chance to come in. It seems like it's a whole bunch. So um that's good, right? Always good. Let's go. Okay.

Okay.

Mandy Baum -MDH-: Um, 00:04:05

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Excuse Mandy Baum -MDH-: so I have a seco here and they're in the lobby being waited waiting to let

in. So do you guys see somebody be waiting?

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: Nope, Mandy Baum -MDH-: H okay.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: me.

Mandy Baum -MDH-: Well then I think they're just going to join through my laptop.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: that's Mandy Baum -MDH-: Okay.

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: So, can you guys hear me?

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: fine.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Yes.

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: Okay. It said the mic someone turned the mic off, I guess. I I don't know. Let's Shirelle Green -MHBE-: For those who just came in, Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: see.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: um I'm asking everyone to put their name, email address, and the agency you're with in the chat so that I can have an accurate record of attendance for today, please. Thank you so much. I appreciate it. And I'm off camera, but because I'm doing something, I I'll come back on shortly and then probably off again. All right.

00:05:03

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Is this my Okay. This thing just keep moving. Okay.

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: Good afternoon Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Okay.

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: everyone.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: All right. I think we got everyone in. All right. Let me come on camera. I might be looking up, down, all around. Hi. Okay. Hi, my name is Charerelle Green and I am current officer for the connected entity grant application program. Um, today's pre-proposal conference is strictly for you guys, okay? I'll go over the scope of work, some of it, not all of it.

So, hopefully you had a chance to review the scope of work and we're here to answer any questions or concerns that you have. I do have two program staff members on the line and I'll have them introduce themselves as well as everyone else. Um, Trina, let me know when you're ready to record.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: Yep. Let's go ahead and get it started.

00:06:17

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: There you go.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Okay.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: We good to go. Thank you, Cheryl.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: You're welcome. All right, then. So, let's get rolling. Now, I'mma go off camera because I'm reading a script and you know, I mean, I know I'm cute, but I'mma read the script and then come back so we can all chat. Okay. All right. All right. If I didn't um mention it earlier, I know I said it a couple of times, but I see people still joining. Please be sure that you put your name, your email address, and the agency you with in the chat so I have a record of attendance for today. Okay. I will ask everyone to introduce themselves starting with the um the staff that's with MHBE and then all of you guys and then I will go over the scope of work the um request for application for the connected entity program. Okay.

00:07:11

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: And I'm going to come off camera. Um can we start with Tamir? Please introduce yourself and your position.

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: Hello everyone.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: trainer.

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: Uh my name is Tamara Gunter. I'm a director for consumer assistance and operations. Um been with the state for about 33 years. Been with the agency since the beginning 2013. welcome and so happy that you are applying or have questions about our um RFA. Thank you so much.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: All Trina Middleton -MHBE-: Yes. Good afternoon everyone. My name is Trina Middleton. I am the connector entity program manager and the one responsible for overseeing this this contract and all the operational work that comes with it. Um, basically I've been in MHBE for um, since 2024, but I come with um, extensive knowledge in terms of procurement, contract monitoring, and program oversight. Very nice to meet you. Happy to have you all here today to be able to ask all the questions you have to make this process just as easy for you as applicants.

00:08:20

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: And good luck to everyone. Thank you.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: right, Nia.

Nia Ballard: Hi, I'm Nia Ballard. I am the deputy director of the connected program here at Healthcare Access Maryland.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Caitlyn, Caitlin Mulrine: Hi, I'm Caitlyn Mullerin. I'm with Healthcare Access Maryland. I'm the vice president of development.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: thank you Leslie.

Leslie Martinez -MoCo Health Connection: Hello. Good morning all. I'm Leslie Martinez. I'm with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services and I've been with the Connector programming since 2013. Thank Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Joseph, you're welcome.

Joseph Poindexter: So, good afternoon everyone. I'm Joseph Po Dexter, the director of HCAM's conductor program.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Okay, it looks like we have 11 other people. You guys can chime in um and start introducing yourselves, please.

Rachel Goldberg: Rachel Goldberg, Jewish Council for the Aging.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Thank you, Lindsay Wood: Hi, David Stewart: Uh David David Stewart Ahack Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Rachel.

Lindsay Wood: I'm Lindsay Wood, also with Ahack West.

00:09:42

Tina Rohrbaugh: Tina Robo, Ahack West.

Mandy Baum -MDH-: Mandy.

Bianca Newton: Bianca New Central Maryland.

Chris McKenzie: Chris McKenzie with Ahack West.

Devonne Franklin: Devonyi Franklin also with the Wland.

Aishah Bradley: Uh, good morning. My name is Aisha Bradley.

+1 321-*-33: This is Reene Josie, family nurse practitioner and CEO of Ambiance Primary Care.

Mandy Baum -MDH-: My name is Maj with Worester County Health.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Somebody broke up. Who was the last person to introduce themselves?

Mandy Baum -MDH-: My name is Mandy Bomb.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Great. Bianca, did you introduce yourself?

Bianca Newton: Yes. Absolutely.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Okay. Is that everyone?

Richard A Amador: I just I just rejoined um Cheryl. My name is Richard Amador with Healthcare Access Maryland.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Hello, Richard. How are you?

Richard A Amador: I'm doing well. How you Shirelle Green -MHBE-: I'm fine. Thank you.

Richard A Amador: doing?

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: You said rejoin. Did that mean you didn't put have a chance to hear me say put your name, email address, and the agency you're with in the

00:11:06

Richard A Amador: No, I heard that part.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: chat?

Richard A Amador: The issue is that I didn't have a mic button and that happens often when I join MHB meetings through Google Meets for whatever reason.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Oh, wait, man. Okay.

Richard A Amador: It's a conspiracy.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: All right.

Richard A Amador: But yes, Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Well, no problem.

Richard A Amador: it's it's a pleasure to be here.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Same to have you. Okay. We're going to get started. Um, keep in mind I'm going to go over um the request for applications and I'm going to say this is connected entity program. Emma number is BPM 054700. It was issued on December the 30th, 2025. Um, last day to submit a letter of intent to respond to this request is January the 16th, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Uh, last day for question and answers will be on the 20th of January at uh 10:00 a.m. and you can send questions to us via email. Okay?

00:12:10

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: And those responses will be posted on Emma and MHB's website.

Okay? This request will close on January the 30th at 11:00 a.m. This is a one-year base application with one year renewal option. Okay. Okay. The solicitation overview. The purpose of this solicitation is to seek from qualified applicants and award grants to organizations who will serve as prime entities in the Maryland Health Benefits Exchange Connected Entity Program. The connected entity program will engage or employ certified consumer assistant workers to guide communities outreach activities provide in-person application and enrollment assistance for eligible individuals and families seeking health coverage through the state's webbased insurance marketplace. Maryland Health Connections and make appropriate referrals for additional assistance. The Maryland Health Benefit Exchange invite proposals from eligible connector entity applicants to provide enrollment assistance and consumer support services. Applicants are requested to submit a proposal for the state physical year 2027 with one additional one-year renewal option that could extend the term of the grant to June 30th, 2028. Funding is a statewide allocation that will be dispersed amongst all connected entity regions.

00:13:52

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: A total of six connected entities will be selected to fulfill the program's objective across designated service regions. Final funding amounts for each selected connected entity will determine based on comp combination of factors including but not limited to the region size, enrollment value, demonstration of need and the strength of the proposed applicant. Okay. Has everyone had a chance to read the scope of work and the request for application? You could just raise your hand, please. Oh, great. Okay. Since we all have read the applicants, we all know the requirements, we know the expectations, we know the regions.

Um, I explained to you the close date and our expectations. Now, I'm going to open the floor to you guys for any questions and concerns that you have. And if you think about something after we get off the call, just shoot us an email and we will respond back to you as soon as possible.

Okay. Um, when you ask your question, please announce yourself and state the agency um that you're with.

00:15:26

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Let's go. Any questions? Rachel, is that your hand being up? Let's go.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: Charelle, Rachel Goldberg: No, that's the before.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: I think they had their hands up from the question um that you asked earlier.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: She put Trina Middleton -MHBE-: So, if everyone could put their hands down and then re-engage the hand to help Charerelle and us, Shirelle Green -MHBE-: it.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: we would appreciate it. Thank you. I Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Okay. Any questions?

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: could Shirelle Green -MHBE-: David, do you have a question?

David Stewart: Yeah, I just um I noticed on the budget template that advertising was Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Okay.

David Stewart: listed. Um does that mean that advertising is now um on the table again for the next round? Marketing and advertising expenses.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: answer that question. Advertisement is not on the table um as it wasn't this year, David. So, it's still there because depending on funding that comes in, it could be something that is back um on the

00:16:35

David Stewart: Okay. And then just one more question.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: table.

David Stewart: Uh because the regions have changed, um some of the new partner relationships may not be in place at the time the application is submitted. Um I'm just trying to make sure that um like there'll be a recognition in the application of what needs to happen, but we may not have all the moving parts in place just given that we're going into brand new territory and uh the partner funding landscape particularly in Frederick was just turned upside down. So some of the existing organizations that we were planning on working with took really large funding cuts. So we're sort of starting us from scratch in some of these areas as we look to creating new relationships.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: So to answer the question, the regions have not changed, David, from what they exist today. So even though there are some changes behind the scenes in other areas, there's no changes to the region to the allocations to the six regions that we have in place, there's no changes.

00:17:46

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: What this brings forth is an opportunity for someone else to be able to um submit an application either as an incumbent or as a new person. So there's no changes.

And as for um the second part of your question um whether or not um basically you were saying something about whether or not like consideration to what that's going to look like while the parts are moving. There's really no moving parts. You're bidding as face value what you see in the RFA with the regions that are currently in place.

David Stewart: Let me let me just be a little clearer. I think I didn't. So in um what's changing about the regions is one region the one that we would be applying for has gotten bigger and we've had some experience working in parts of that region but not all of it and at the moment there's no existing physical location for the connector program. Um that's independent of a health department. Um, so there may be the need to establish a new location um and to work with another organization in order to establish um an assistance site for example that's new.

00:19:00

David Stewart: And all I was saying is I don't know that we'll have a 100% of that nailed down in time for the actual submission of the application.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: So whether an incumbent or a new applicant, that's the thought process that has to go behind preparedness. So there's no solution to telling any agency who's interested in applying to um they have to have something already in place. Most of the people that I'm seeing a lot of interest from are new individual agencies and they don't have the partnerships that connect us. So their thought process is let me use what I have in terms of partnerships and build upon it. So just like for anyone incoming or new, the opportunity to partner with the current partners that are in place currently would be available to all as well. So it's not like you would be starting over from scratch. There's some partnerships that already exist. So it's no different from new to incumbent going to another territory outside of what you're familiar with as an incumbent.

00:20:00

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: David All right. Any other questions from David? If not, Charerelle, I'll give the floor back to you to continue. And if they could be specific with their question, Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Okay, Trina Middleton -MHBE-: we would appreciate it. Thank Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Miss Bradley, Trina Middleton -MHBE-: you.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: do you have a question or is your hand still up from the last time?

Aishah Bradley: Um, no. I had a question. I just wanted to confirm um for the letter of intent that it was supposed to be sent to Miss Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Great.

Aishah Bradley: Middleton. Okay. Thank you.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: Yes. Thank you.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Any other questions? Oh, is that um is that M Romo?

M Romo: Yep. Hello everybody.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Hi, how are you? Great.

M Romo: Good, thanks.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: How are you?

M Romo: How are you?

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: I'm fine, M Romo: Uh, Shirelle Green -MHBE-: thank

00:20:52

M Romo: my question revolved around I I saw two different um instructions on how to Shirelle Green -MHBE-: you.

M Romo: submit. Um, it looked to me like in the key info section beginning it suggested that the application should be submitted uh via Emma and then later in section seven that they should be submitted by email to the point of contact.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Let me look at that because if that's uh all submissions must be submitted via Emma only.

M Romo: Okay, thank you.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: And what section were you referencing to again that you M Romo: I think page two where it's where the the chart starts with key info information in the table.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: saw?

M Romo: It maybe it's somewhere in page two where it talks about how to submit section seven uh later in the application which is application instructions. It talks about the file names and that they should be submitted via email to the point of contact. I just want to clarify if either is okay or Shirelle Green -MHBE-: No. and only via Emma and I will do an amendment to release that information.

00:21:59

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: You can only submit your application via Emma only.

M Romo: Thank Shirelle Green -MHBE-: All right. But I'm need to find where you're talking about.

M Romo: you.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: So I I I will see if I can do a search to find that. Thank you so much for bringing that to our attention.

M Romo: Absolutely.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Any other questions, please?

+1 321--33: I I had a question. Um this is Reene Josie with the ambiance primary care. Um as far as the uh southern region, is does is that also entail feil and uh that area or is it just um the Charles County area?

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: And I'm sorry, could you repeat that question? The phone connection kind of went out on my end.

+1 321--33: Sorry, Trina Middleton -MHBE-: Thank you.

+1 321--33: I Yeah. So, real quick, I was just asking about just looking at the grid that you all had.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: Sorry.

+1 321--33: Uh, curious about southern there are two parts of it or two colors. It's like an orange.

00:23:03

+1 321--33: I'm trying to figure out whether or not um is it separated. Is it just Charles County like that southern area just below PG County or is the Cecil area also included in Southern? Does that make Trina Middleton -MHBE-: Yeah. So it is separated.

+1 321--33: sense?

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: So the colors definitely give the division there. So there's a part of the southern region that would go with a different um region. So if you're looking at So which part are you looking at specifically?

+1 321--33: Okay.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: I do have the map that I'm looking at.

+1 321--33: Yep. So, I'm looking at where Charles County Calvert uh what is that? St. Mary's um kind of like yep that area and then it's almost like a same orange color Trina Middleton -MHBE-: Mhm.

+1 321-*-33: for if you look on the upper part of that gray um it's like a same kind of color. So I was trying to figure out whether or not southern covered both, you know, Charles County area and also that Cecil County, Kent and all.

00:23:59

+1 321--33: Is that the same Trina Middleton -MHBE-: Thank you. Yeah, thank you for the additional context.

+1 321--33: region?

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: is actually two different regions but this is currently awarded to one agency so it is two separate regions.

+1 321--33: Okay. And for clarification, which area is already awarded?

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: Well both are all of these are awarded currently but for the new RFA that is in place every region and every color is up for um bid. So you have your top the ones with the same color um that's one specific region.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Come +1 321--33: Okay.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: on.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: So for the sake of this map, it was only put in the same color because it's currently awarded to the same. But just hypothetically look at that top Cecil area where you have Cecil Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Huh?

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: Harford. Just act imaginary wise make look at it as a a purple or a pink for distinction.

+1 321-*-33: Okay, thank you so much for Trina Middleton -MHBE-: Yep.

00:24:51

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: You're welcome. Thank you for the context to clarify.

+1 321-*-33: clarifying.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: I appreciate it.

Aishah Bradley: Um I did have one more question as far as the the program components. So um one of the regions listed in the central region I believe is Anaonda County. And so for the um program components that are listed um that county is not listed as one that I don't know if it's not eligible or if it if like um a program for that county can be added or it can only be what's on this current list.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: It's currently what's on the list. So, as they're broken down by region, it goes by that everything within that region includes the counties that are listed in the RFA.

Aishah Bradley: Okay. So, these are the only counties that are eligible.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: That's correct.

Aishah Bradley: Okay. Thank Trina Middleton -MHBE-: So, but meaning that well that's the counties that are the primary counties, Aishah Bradley: you.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: but yes, those are the primary counties that are eligible.

00:25:50

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: Answer your question. Yes.

Aishah Bradley: Okay.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: Had to think about that.

Aishah Bradley: And this just for RFA for 2027.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: Correct.

Aishah Bradley: Okay. Thank you.

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: And I just want to go over one thing um everyone. So uh our current um grants, they're in effect until June the 30th, 2026. This new RFA um begins an award begins 71 2026. Hope that clarifies a few questions. Thank you.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Mr. Romo, did you have another question?

M Romo: I did. Thank you. So just for clarification going to the regions um so there are seven regions that are being uh offered uh for the request for proposals.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: I'm Trina Middleton -MHBE-: That's correct.

M Romo: Okay. Thank you.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: You're welcome.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: waiting for some more questions. Everybody good +1 321--33: I think I can ask this this question.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: or +1 321--33: Um I would say just as a firsttime applicant uh primary care office um who sees a plethora of uninsured um patient what is the um what's the single most uh critical factor for example like whether like eligibility capacity or performance um that typically causes um small clinical practices I don't know if you all have had those applicants in the past to either be non non-competitive or uh essentially fail within the first year.

00:27:39

+1 321--33: And like what specific pre-awward or postawward supports does um MHBE uh provide to help new entrance succeed Trina Middleton -MHBE-: Hey, Tamaris. And she's asking about um past performance and historic um information. I'll give that question to you.

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: Okay. Thank you. So, um let me get a little bit more background. So, Trina Middleton -MHBE-: Mhm.

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: you're coming you're you are a uh a office doctor's office facility family practice.

+1 321--33: We're a family practice.

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: Um so, +1 321--33: Yes.

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: in your family practice because um part of this um we can't steer to one carrier or another. So, I just want to make sure I understand. Um, so with your practice, Shirelle Green -MHBE-: I Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: do you accept one type of insurance or many types of insurance far as +1 321--33: We do accept any type of Yes, Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: MCO? I'm sorry. You say any Okay.

+1 321-*-33: we we do accept any type of insurance.

00:28:40

+1 321--33: Most major insuranceances for Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: Okay. Want to make sure. Okay.

+1 321--33: sure.

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: So um we so that's that's I want to make sure I got that clear because we can't steer to one particular um insurance company or one particular carrier. So in saying that, +1 321-*-33: Mhm.

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: we definitely look at um across the board of performance, right? So we do know that new people may be coming on board um to get this grant. You'll be given all of the resources. Um we also have um you know escalations. Um we will come out there and meet with you and give you all the resources that you need. But it is your responsibility if you do apply for the grant that you already have your partners um set up. um just in case you're awarded um and also to ensure that you're providing um nonbiased u decisions for the consumer which means allowing the consumer to choose whichever plan they want.

00:29:35

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: So moving forward, what we also do is we look at um we look at your ability to actually service the +1 321--33: Mhm.

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: consumer like you know where what is your location. Um how many people do you have visit your office? Um the area that you're in, is your office accessible?

Will you be able to have signage? Um and of course if you're meeting all of those things, we're going to look at are you actually getting people enrolled? because this is a grant to actually have someone that has access to the worker portal to able to get individuals signed up um in health insurance whether it be um uh QHP with or without a tax credit or Medicaid magi. Either way, you'll be able to get a person set up and into the system and help them enroll.

+1 321--33: Mhm.

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: So, we will look at a factor of things to make sure that you're compliant to make sure that um you know uh you already have your partners set up or have your partners um together where so you can um actually put that inside of your proposal um when you uh do your proposal to um Emma.

00:30:44

+1 321--33: All right. And is there a certain amount of partners that are required? I don't remember reading that Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: No, I I wouldn't say there's a certain amount of number of um required, +1 321--33: anywhere.

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: but I I'll defer that to Trina. I would just say you have to have um partners and we also ask you to expand on your partners. So, you have to have some partners and it's our expectation that you expand on your partners as the contract goes along also.

+1 321--33: I'm sorry, you broke up just a little bit. If you don't mind repeating that last Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: Yeah. It's our expectations that you have partners and that you also expand on your partners.

+1 321--33: bit, Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: So there's no magic number to say, hey, you have to have 10 partners, you get to have 20 partners. We expect you to have some partners and always keep expanding on your partners in the area. It's very important with this program um and this grant that you expand on your partnership.

00:31:32

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Hello. How are +1 321--33: Excellent. Thank Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: You're Shirelle Green -MHBE-: you?

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: welcome.

+1 321--33: you.

Aishah Bradley: I just have one more.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Okay, M.

Aishah Bradley: Sorry, Shirelle Green -MHBE-: That's fine. No, Aishah Bradley: I just want to piggy back off of um even though the ACCA wouldn't be eligible right now Shirelle Green -MHBE-: that's fine. Thank you so much. Go ahead.

Aishah Bradley: because it's not um there isn't an identified city or neighborhood within the county, will we still be able to partner with another organization that does qualify?

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: I will defer that to uh Trina, but I I would be if Trina asked or wanted to um if that's what she wanted to go with, Aishah Bradley: Wait.

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: I would definitely um support that. So, I would I would I would defer that question to Trina Aishah Bradley: Okay.

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: Middleton.

Aishah Bradley: I think she was speaking, but I She's still muted.

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: Oh.

00:32:20

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: Sorry about that. Yeah, the volume kind of went down.

Aishah Bradley: You're fine.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: Thank you for for um let letting them know, Miss Bradley. But yes, um that that is um absolutely fine. I heard the first part of your question and then it kind of tapered out. Would you mind repeating that for Aishah Bradley: No problem. I just wanted to know if the ACCA would because we are based in Anonda County with the Anonto County Community Action Trina Middleton -MHBE-: me?

Aishah Bradley: Agency. Um and it's just not earlier in the question I asked not an identified city and or county at this time. Will we still be able to partner with an organization that that um it that is within the identified um city or county?

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: Yes, absolutely you could.

Aishah Bradley: Okay.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: Yes, Aishah Bradley: And so then we would just be um listed as one of their um partners on the letter of intent and just sign that way.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: that's correct.

00:33:04

Aishah Bradley: Okay. Thank you so much.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: You're welcome.

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: These are great questions, by the way.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: They sure are. Okay. Trina.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: Tina close.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Oh, Tina. Okay. I didn't see where she at.

Tina Rohrbaugh: Hi.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Where?

Tina Rohrbaugh: Hi.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Okay.

Tina Rohrbaugh: I'm I was looking at the budget um under the allowed budget line items under salary and on page 32 it it reads I don't know if I'm not getting it. It says consumer assistant workers are required to participate in connector activities no less than 50% FTE. The next sentence says funded consumer assistant workers are required to p participate in connector activities no less than 100% FTE.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: So the ones that are being paid by the grant, there's an expectation of um those that are out being a consumer assistance worker doing the enrollment education piece. Those are the ones that we're looking at to have the 100% threshold, but we do understand that some staff will be a lower percentage and the lowest percentage for anyone who is being paid under this grant outside of leadership would be the 50%.

00:34:24

Tina Rohrbaugh: Okay.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: So the expectation is a little different expectation from previous years with this contract. there is an expectation that those who are being paid under contract with exception to like a director level there needs to be enrollment. going from this whole and I don't want to get too much in the trenches for those that are not familiar and for those who are applying as new I'll definitely bring you up to speed but historically just really quickly before this contract was paid based on encounters how many times you're engaging with consumers meaning that residents of Maryland who are interested in assurance but it did not yield to enrollment number you can see a hundred people but if only one person enrolled um you're really not getting your enrollment. So there's a little shift that comes from the previous. So just some of the questions that are coming up today may go in that direction. Just understand that that backstory that we're shifting our mindsets from more so engaging with Maryland residents to tell them about insurance to more so getting them enrolled.

00:35:26

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: And that's what that's speaking to. But thank you Tina. That's a great question and thanks for calling that out because it is a slight difference that we wanted to address on the call. So, thank you. I'll give it back to Charelle.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Oops, this camera. Okay. All right. Are there any more questions? Any more great questions? You guys are doing really good. Thank you so much for participating.

Okay. In closing, I just want to add that because this is the first year I believe that this that you have to submit your applications via Emma, ensure that you go to Emma way ahead of time so that you get familiar with that website. It's very user friendly from what I hear and get familiar with so that you'll know how to upload all your applic all your um attachments. Okay? and make sure that you um submit all your attachments.

00:36:28

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: They're towards the end of the scope of work. Okay. Um and I believe the email to Emma is in the key information sheet. I will send out an amendment probably tomorrow stating that you can only submit via Emma. Um thanks for bringing that to my attention. Um and that's about it. Are there any other questions that you may have? and know that you can still um send us an email with any questions if you think of something after the fact. But we do have a cut off period and that's so we can address all your questions effectively and be able to publish them on Emma and MHB websites ahead of time so that you will be able to properly submit your application with all the information that you need. Okay, Mr. Romo, you is he I just see him moving his lips, so I wasn't sure if he was trying to ask me a question.

You just talking to your Okay, 00:37:30

M Romo: Oh, no. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I was just talking to a colleague.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: great. and the transcript will be posted as well. So, you can always go back and listen to um the conversations that we had some some of the questions that were asked if you didn't quite understand or didn't get it or didn't hear it for whatever reason. The transcripts will be um posted as well. Okay. In closing, Tamir, did you want to Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: Yeah, I just want to clarify something to make sure um we um everyone understands. So, it's in the RFA that the individual can apply um for uh through Emma and um through uh Trina. That's what's in the RFA, right?

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Well, no. In section seven, it said um male. So, let me go back up because I did find it and I already started the um the Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: Okay, thank you.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: amendment. It said, okay, all submissions must be submitted electronically via email to the point of contact

00:38:30

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: Okay.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: describing the request for grant application. the submission line of the email should state and then it also referenced the incorrect RFA because it had 2022-01 and not that 2701. And so when we send out amendments via the state, what we do is um put a line through old information. We highlight in bold new information um and it's underlined so Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: Okay.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: that you'll be able to identify that amendment and then you should acknowledge the amendment.

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: Okay.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: U with your Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: All right. Thank you so much.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: submission.

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: make sure that was cleared up because I I saw a little bit confusion with that on how to submit. I want to make sure that it's cleared up for anyone on how to submit. So, you can only submit through Emma. All right. So, Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Correct.

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: um I want to make sure does everybody have access to Emma?

00:39:30

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: Hopefully if not you're getting Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Yes.

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: excess.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Is everybody familiar with email and marketplace advantage? The state's web portal for solicitation postings for vendors. Okay, David Marvin, I see some thumbs up.

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: Okay.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Okay.

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: So let me ask you a question. One more question. Um Sher, is there any way um can they contact um you or anyone to get information on how to get access to Emma and how to apply through Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Well, the email to Emma is on the key information sheet within the um scope of work.

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: Emma?

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: It's the first the second sheet of the um request for application and it says Emma is open and then the email is there. Well, Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: Okay.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: the website address is there.

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: and I'm playing devil's advocate for um my um my potential um applicants just to make sure I'm um asking the questions that I think you may want the answer to or hope you want the answer to.

00:40:36

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: All right, thank you so Shirelle Green -MHBE-: That's good, isn't it? No, Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: much.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: that that's good because they like I I told them they might not think of something right now, right? But um Emma is very user friendly. They do have I don't think they're open 24 hours, but you can sub submit an email to them at any time or visit their website with questions and concerns and they will follow up with you expeditiously.

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: I don't

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: But with anything, be more proactive than reactive.

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: think Shirelle Green -MHBE-: And that means don't wait till January the 29th and try to log on to Emma and you never been on Emma before, right? Because this application will close at 11:00 a.m. on the 30th, then you won't have access to the portal for this particular solicitation. Okay.

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: Is there any cost associated with um individuals going on Emma or applying for Emma?

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: No, it's free. Nope, 00:41:27

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: Okay.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: it's free.

Tamara Cannida-Gunter -MHBE-: No cost free. Okay. Want to make sure again just want to ask questions that I think you may want the answer to. Thank you so much everyone. I really appreciate you attending. I'll turn it back over to Miss Green.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: All right. Um, if that said and no more questions, we will conclude the uh pre- proposal conference for connect to entity FY2027 fiscal year, not calendar year. And as always, thank you so much for um wanting to do business with the state of Maryland. you guys have a good afternoon and submit any questions you like after the fact. Okay, thank you so much. Um Trina and Tamir, Trina Middleton -MHBE-: Thank Shirelle Green -MHBE-: can we both can you both stay on the line, please? Thank you so much.

Trina, you can stop the um transcription recording.

Trina Middleton -MHBE-: y.

Shirelle Green -MHBE-: Okay,