Maryland approves $164M surge funding for hospitals

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Gov. Wes Moore announced $164 million in surge funding for hospitals to help support care as the state faces high rates of respiratory illness, according to a news release. The funds were approved by the Health Services Cost Review Commission.

“As cases of respiratory illnesses surge across Maryland, we must step up to ensure health care professionals have the resources they need to treat patients and that our people can receive the care they need,” Moore said. “At the same time, our administration will continue to protect access to lifesaving vaccines and make clear that public health decisions in Maryland are made by medical professionals and guided by proven evidence — not political decisions.”

The commission is an independent state agency that works to ensure access to affordable health care. The funds are aimed at helping hospitals that are strained by an influx of patients dealing with the flu and other respiratory illnesses. As of Jan. 14, the state has recorded 4,087 influenza hospitalizations, 976 RSV hospitalizations and 569 COVID-19 hospitalizations for the 2025-2026 season.

The funds will help cover increased operational costs, including staffing and provide greater budget flexibility for hospitals dealing with the high volume of flu, RSV and COVID-19 cases. Funding will range from $49,000 to $32.8 million across Maryland hospitals.

“This year’s flu season arrived earlier and hit harder than expected, making it challenging for all Marylanders and also for hospitals and care providers,” Maryland Hospital Association President and CEO Melony G. Griffith said. “Hospitals remain committed to caring for our communities and we’re appreciative of the state’s partnership as we manage the surge and provide additional resources.”

The announcement of surge funding follows Moore’s announcement earlier this month of the Vax Act of 2026 that would give the Maryland health secretary the ability to recommend vaccination schedules. That followed the federal government’s change to vaccination schedules for children by decoupling the state’s health standards from federal policies.