HB 1075 expands eligibility for Maryland's Graduate and Professional Scholarship Program to include students at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) enrolled in four specific degree programs: Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies, Doctor of Pharmacy, Doctor of Physical Therapy, and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. This change directly affects UMES students in these fields who previously could not qualify for the scholarship. The bill amends the existing law by adding UMES to the list of eligible institutions under the program's criteria, which requires applicants to be Maryland residents attending approved institutions in designated health-related fields. The policy change takes effect July 1, 2026, allowing UMES students to access this financial aid for the first time.
HB 746 prohibits Maryland Medicaid (Medical Assistance Program) and private health insurers from charging copays, coinsurance, or deductibles for services delivered under the Collaborative Care Model. This model integrates mental/behavioral health services into primary care through coordinated care, regular outcome monitoring, and specialist consultations. The law applies to all Medicaid recipients and covers services under private health insurance plans (including nonprofit health plans and health maintenance organizations) issued in Maryland, with an exception for high-deductible health plans. It takes effect January 1, 2027, ensuring no cost-sharing for these integrated care services.
SB 521 requires health insurance companies to notify patients in writing when a primary care provider or behavioral health provider is removed from their network, including the reason for termination and the right to continue seeing that provider for up to 90 days if the removal isn't due to fraud or misconduct. It mandates insurers to provide advance notice (60 days) to Maryland's Insurance Commissioner before terminating provider contracts that materially impact patient access, and to update their access plans within 5 business days after termination. This bill directly affects insured patients who rely on specific providers and health insurance carriers operating in Maryland. The key change is creating a standardized 90-day special enrollment period for affected patients to transition care, improving transparency during network changes.
HB 1364 requires mammography centers in Maryland to include a specific notice about breast arterial calcification in patients' screening results letters, starting October 1, 2026. This applies to facilities performing mammography testing (like hospitals, clinics, or radiology practices), excluding federal VA facilities. The notice informs patients that arterial calcification - common but potentially linked to higher cardiovascular risk - should be discussed with their physician to assess heart health needs. It does not change existing federal requirements for breast density notices but adds this new patient awareness element to standard mammogram results.
SB 890 exempts premiums for captive insurance purchased by nonprofit hospitals and healthcare systems in Maryland from the state's insurance premium receipts tax. Specifically, it removes the tax obligation for premiums paid by these entities, including their parent companies, subsidiaries, or affiliated providers. The bill also prohibits the Maryland Insurance Administration from charging past-due taxes, penalties, or interest related to this tax for qualifying entities before the law's effective date. This directly affects nonprofit healthcare organizations seeking cost savings on self-insurance arrangements. The policy change modifies existing tax code sections to create this specific exemption.
SB 530 creates a new grant program for the Maryland Department of Aging to fund nonprofit organizations and area agencies on aging. It specifically provides grants to support social connection for seniors in aging-in-place programs through events at "multigenerational third places" - community spaces (not homes or workplaces) where people of different ages gather. The bill requires nonprofits to match grant funds and sets aside at least 20% of the annual $100,000 minimum appropriation for senior villages (member-driven community organizations supporting aging in place). The grants cover operational costs for these community spaces, including lease or rental expenses, to help seniors stay connected in their neighborhoods.
SB 808 amends Maryland's health insurance laws to change how health insurance carriers manage provider panels. It eliminates application fees carriers can charge providers, requires carriers to send specific notices to providers within set timeframes, and mandates more frequent updates to provider directories. The bill also expands the types of providers carriers cannot restrict on panels and updates rules for multi-carrier online directory systems. These changes directly affect health insurance carriers and healthcare providers seeking to join insurance networks.
HB 945 requires Maryland's Department of Health to immediately notify and coordinate with the local health department whenever investigating a nursing home complaint alleging actual harm. This affects the Department, local health departments, and nursing homes directly. The key provision mandates that the Department must contact the local health department right away and collaborate with them during the investigation, particularly for complaints involving actual harm (not routine issues). The bill amends existing law to formalize this notification and consultation process during investigations.
SB 891 requires health insurance companies in Maryland to provide pregnant individuals and those up to one year postpartum with a standing referral to a mental health provider without needing a new authorization each time. It also mandates coverage for perinatal mental health screenings during pregnancy and postpartum, and directs the Maryland Department of Health to create a screening program. Additionally, the bill requires health professionals renewing licenses to complete continuing education on perinatal mental health conditions. These provisions directly affect insurers, pregnant/postpartum individuals, mental health providers, and health license holders.
HB 1118 requires health insurance carriers in Maryland to provide a standing referral to a mental health care provider for pregnant individuals and for one year after childbirth, without needing a written treatment plan. It mandates that insurers cover screening for perinatal mental health conditions (like postpartum depression) during prenatal visits and other specified times. The bill also directs the Maryland Department of Health to establish a perinatal mental health screening program and requires health care professionals renewing licenses to complete continuing education on perinatal mental health conditions. These changes aim to improve access to mental health support during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
