Maddy summarySB 776 establishes a 15-member workgroup to study rising rates of denied healthcare claims (referred to as "adverse decisions") in Maryland's state health care system. The workgroup, including representatives from the legislature, health agencies, insurance commissioners, hospitals, insurers, and patient advocates, will review current reporting data on denied claims, recommend standardized definitions for medical services and denials, and develop strategies to reduce such denials. It must report its findings and recommendations to state legislative committees by December 1, 2025, with the bill itself expiring on June 30, 2026. This bill does not enact new policies but creates a process to gather data and inform potential future legislation.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 374, the James "Jimmy" Malone Act, requires health insurers, nonprofit health plans, and HMOs in Maryland to cover preventive cancer screenings for professional firefighters - defined as those employed by state, county, or municipal entities - without copays, coinsurance, or deductibles. The bill mandates coverage aligns with guidelines from the International Association of Fire Fighters and applies to all health plans, including self-insured county/municipal programs and the state employee health program. It prohibits cost-sharing for these screenings, with limited exceptions for high-deductible health plans. The law takes effect January 1, 2026.
Maddy summarySB 373 requires the State and the union representing uniformed fire employees at BWI Airport Fire and Rescue Department to reach a new collective bargaining agreement by September 30 of the year before the current agreement expires. If negotiations reach an impasse (defined as mutual agreement or failure to agree by October 1), both parties must submit their final offers within 48 hours and select an arbitrator from a list of 15 provided by the American Arbitration Association through an alternating strike process. The arbitrator will make a binding decision on wages, hours, and working conditions, with recommendations due by November 20. This replaces the previous fact-finder process for this specific department, ensuring a structured resolution timeline.
Maddy summarySB 696 addresses pediatric hospital overstay patients - children under 22 who remain in hospital beds for over 24 hours after being medically cleared for discharge or transfer. It requires hospitals to place these patients in the least restrictive setting possible, allows concurrent exploration of both in-state and out-of-state placements, and creates a Pediatric Hospital Overstay Coordinator position within the Governor’s Office for Children. The bill also mandates the Maryland Department of Health to study residential treatment center and respite facility rates and expands the state’s mental health registry to include both private and public services. These changes directly affect pediatric patients, hospitals, and child welfare systems by streamlining placements and improving access to appropriate care.
Maddy summarySB 372, the Preserve Telehealth Access Act of 2025, permanently extends current rules allowing audio-only telephone calls to count as "telehealth" for reimbursement purposes under Maryland's Medicaid program and private insurers. The bill repeals the June 30, 2025, expiration date for this provision in Maryland law, making it permanent. It directly affects the Maryland Medical Assistance Program, private health insurers, nonprofit health service plans, and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) that cover telehealth services. The key change is ensuring these entities must continue reimbursing for audio-only telehealth visits at the same rate as in-person care, without requiring video technology, for covered health services.
Maddy summaryThis bill renames Maryland's Chesapeake Conservation Corps Program to honor former Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. It updates the program's official name throughout state law to "Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps Program" without changing the program's structure, funding, or operations. The renaming applies to all references in Maryland's Natural Resources and State Government codes, including funding provisions and program administration details. The program - administered by the Chesapeake Bay Trust and focused on environmental conservation projects - remains unchanged in its purpose and implementation.
Maddy summarySB 695 changes the membership of Maryland's Uninsured Employers' Fund Board from 3 to 5 members, requiring two with insurance company experience, one with accounting/finance expertise, one as a workers' compensation policyholder, and one representing the public. It mandates the Board "shall" establish reserves to cover potential fund losses (previously allowed but not required). The bill directly affects the oversight of the Uninsured Employers' Fund, which provides benefits to workers when employers fail to carry required insurance. These changes aim to strengthen fund management and accountability through specific board composition and mandatory reserve requirements.
Maddy summarySB 371 requires Maryland's State Board of Pharmacy to send renewal notices for pharmacy licenses, permits, and registrations to affected individuals via email (electronic means) by default, rather than by paper mail. This applies to pharmacy licensees, permit holders, registrants (like pharmacy technicians), and wholesale distributors. Recipients can opt out of email notices and request paper mail instead. The notices must include the expiration date, renewal deadline, and fee amount, with paper mail automatically sent if an email notice bounces back.
Maddy summarySB 842 authorizes the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission or police to seize electronic smoking devices and other tobacco products sold illegally without a warrant. It requires wholesalers of electronic smoking devices to obtain a new license and maintain detailed records of their products. The bill also establishes procedures for notifying owners of seized items, handling claims for return, and mandating that destroyed items be documented with specifics like quantity, reason for seizure, and destruction method. These changes directly affect electronic smoking device wholesalers, the Commission, and law enforcement in enforcing tobacco product sales regulations.
Maddy summarySB 305 requires virtual currency kiosk operators in Maryland to register with the Commissioner of Financial Regulation starting January 1, 2026. Operators must provide business details, kiosk location information (including fixed and temporary sites), and unique identifiers for each machine. The bill establishes annual renewal requirements and authorizes fees for registration and compliance. It directly affects businesses operating standalone kiosks that let consumers exchange cash or cards for virtual currency, excluding standard ATMs and certain reward programs. The regulation applies specifically to kiosk-based virtual currency services, not broader cryptocurrency exchanges.