Opportunity Overview
The Maryland Department of Health is seeking stakeholder input through a Request for Information on food and nutrition services that could be offered to Maryland Medicaid enrollees as In Lieu of Services beginning in calendar year 2028. The RFI is part of Maryland’s planning around Food Is Medicine, the AHEAD Model, the Population Health Improvement Fund and the Rural Health Transformation Program.
Status and Deadline
This is an active Request for Information, not a grant or contract award. MDH states that no contracts or grants will be awarded from RFI responses, although a future procurement or grant opportunity may follow. Responses are due October 14, 2026 at 5:00 PM. MDH does not state a deadline time zone in the public RFI materials.
Who Can Respond
MDH invites input from Medicaid enrollees, healthcare providers and provider groups, managed care organizations, community-based organizations, local governments, local health departments, health systems and hospitals, federally qualified health centers, for-profit organizations, nonprofit organizations and other interested stakeholders.
What MDH Is Evaluating
The RFI asks for input on medically tailored meals, medically tailored groceries, produce prescriptions, nutrition counseling, home-delivered meals and groceries, food vouchers, food pharmacies and related case-management approaches. MDH also seeks recommendations on eligible populations, service delivery, statewide implementation and the needs of healthcare providers, community organizations and Medicaid members.
Procurement and Community Priorities
MDH specifically asks how future procurement can support Maryland food producers, Maryland community-based organizations and local job creation. It also seeks feedback on provider billing and operational barriers, community-organization scaling needs, program adherence and retention, and other health-related social needs that may warrant future Medicaid support.
Atlas Analysis
Atlas Opportunity Score: 72/100. This RFI is strategically relevant to Maryland healthcare, Medicaid delivery, community health and future procurement development, but it does not provide funding at the RFI stage.
N9+ Direct Vendor Fit: 0/100. The current request is focused on food and nutrition services and planning input rather than connected clinical-exam equipment, telehealth hardware or a direct vendor award. Dr. Miltie is not classified as a current direct funding applicant or bidder for this RFI.
Response Method
Interested stakeholders may respond through MDH’s official online response form or by email to mdh.ilosrfi@maryland.gov. Respondents should use the official RFI background document and answer only from verified organizational experience, data and capabilities.
Official source: Maryland Department of Health — Food and Nutrition Services In Lieu of Services Request for Information.