Maryland Medical Assistance Program and Health Insurance - Step Therapy, Fail-First Protocols, and Prior Authorization - Prescription to Treat Serious Mental Illness

HB 382 prohibits Maryland's Medicaid program (Maryland Medical Assistance Program) and certain insurers, health plans, and managed care organizations from requiring prior authorization, step therapy, or "fail-first" protocols for specific mental health medications. It directly affects adults diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, major depression, PTSD, or medication-induced movement disorders linked to serious mental illness. The law bans these coverage barriers starting July 1, 2025, ensuring immediate coverage for prescribed medications treating these conditions without extra approval steps. This applies to all covered plans under Maryland law, removing administrative hurdles for these essential treatments.