Health Insurance - Utilization Review - Revisions

Maryland Senate Bill 791 updates health insurance rules to improve how prior authorizations are handled and to provide patients with clearer cost information. The law requires insurance companies to create online systems by 2026 that allow doctors to submit and receive decisions on drug approvals electronically, while also displaying real-time out-of-pocket costs and cheaper medication options. Healthcare providers must integrate these tools into their existing software by the same deadline, and insurers cannot charge fees for using this digital process. Additionally, the bill prohibits prior authorization requirements for specific medications used to treat opioid use disorder, ensuring faster access to these treatments.