SB 96 updates terminology in Maryland's Sheila E. Hixson Behavioral Health Services Matching Grant Program by removing the word "active" before "service member" throughout the law. This change clarifies that the program serves all service members (including those not currently on active duty), veterans, and their families, without altering eligibility criteria or funding. The bill specifically revises definitions in Section 7.5-210(a)(2)(i), (b)(2), and (e)(1)(ii) to replace "active service member" with "service member." It does not create new benefits or change who qualifies for grants, only how the program describes its target population. The change aims to align the law with the program's actual scope and improve clarity.
HB 275 requires Maryland insurance carriers to issue Medicare supplement policies without discrimination based on health status during specific enrollment periods. It directly affects Medicare beneficiaries transitioning from Maryland Medical Assistance (Medicaid), disabled individuals under 65 eligible for Medicare, and those with certain federal special enrollment rights. Key provisions include banning denials or higher premiums due to health conditions during a 63-day window after Medicaid termination or qualifying events, and mandating equal or lower-benefit policy options during birthday renewals starting in 2026. The bill ensures these groups can access coverage without health-based barriers, effective July 1, 2026.
HB 372 requires hospitals with emergency departments to screen patients for emergency pregnancy-related medical conditions (defined as acute conditions posing serious health risks if untreated). If such a condition is identified, hospitals must provide treatment to stabilize the patient - including allowing pregnancy termination when medically necessary - or transfer the patient to another facility. The bill prohibits hospitals from penalizing healthcare providers who refuse to transfer unstable patients or from taking adverse action against staff who report violations. It directly affects hospitals, patients with emergency pregnancy conditions, and healthcare providers treating these cases, with fines up to $50,000 for non-compliance.
SB 293 requires nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and nurse midwives to notify residents and prospective residents in writing if they lack professional liability insurance or if coverage has lapsed without renewal. For prospective residents, notification must occur at the first visit during a coverage gap or at the time of application; current residents must be notified within 30 days of a lapse. Facilities without coverage must also post a conspicuous notice visible to residents and guests. This law aims to increase transparency about insurance coverage for individuals receiving care in these settings.
HB 86 would require Maryland state and local government employers to provide up to 4 hours of paid leave annually for employees to attend cancer screening appointments (e.g., mammograms, colonoscopies). This applies to all state employees (including temporary and part-time staff across executive, judicial, and legislative branches) and county/municipal employees. Employees must obtain supervisor approval before using the leave, and employers must establish procedures for requests and approvals. The bill, scheduled to take effect July 1, 2026, does not cover cancer treatment, only preventive screenings.
HB 280 codifies Maryland’s health insurance requirements for mental health and substance use disorder coverage to align with federal parity laws. It requires health insurers to collect and report data on access to these services, explain differences in coverage rules, and comply with federal standards for equal treatment. The Maryland Insurance Commissioner will review insurer reports and address noncompliance. This bill directly affects health insurance companies and their policyholders seeking mental health or substance use disorder care.
HB 489 repeals a Maryland law that previously prohibited electronic health networks and medical record vendors serving nursing homes from charging fees for releasing patient records. The bill allows these vendors to charge fees when releasing records or electronic health transactions to nursing homes' business associates, as directed by the nursing home. Key provisions require vendors to provide records in standardized electronic formats and ensure timely access for patient care, but no longer ban fee-charging for these releases. This change affects nursing homes, their business associates, and the vendors managing their electronic health records, effective October 1, 2026.
SB 19 establishes the Maryland Commission on Women’s Health Advancement to study the feasibility of creating a state women’s hospital in Southern Maryland and a statewide clinical network focused on women’s health across all life stages. The commission, composed of diverse healthcare professionals, patient advocates, experts in health disparities, and community representatives, will analyze needs, financial viability, and alternative approaches (like a hub network) to improve access for underserved women. It must submit an initial action plan by January 2027 and annual reports through 2032, culminating in a final report by December 2032 with recommendations. This bill does not create the hospital or network but sets up a 7-year study process to inform future decisions.
SB 326 expands the authority of physician assistants (PAs) in Maryland by allowing them to perform specific healthcare actions currently restricted to physicians. The bill directly affects PAs, patients requiring guardianship, inmates needing infirmary care, and mental health facilities by adding PAs to certification requirements for treatment incapacity (Section 5-606), guardianship petitions (Section 13-705), and inmate infirmary admissions (Section 9-601.1). It also requires the Maryland Department of Health to cover PA examinations for emergency evaluations and adds PAs to the Statewide Advisory Commission on Immunization. These changes aim to align PA practice with other licensed healthcare professionals in defined clinical scenarios.
HB 633 requires Maryland health insurers, nonprofit health plans, and health maintenance organizations to cover salpingectomy (surgical removal of fallopian tubes) as a preventive measure for ovarian cancer. It prohibits these insurers from charging copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles for this specific procedure, ensuring no out-of-pocket costs for covered individuals. The exception applies only to high-deductible health plans under federal law, allowing the deductible to apply to the procedure in those cases. This law directly affects women eligible for preventive care and the health insurance providers operating in Maryland.
