Maryland Medical Assistance Program and Health Insurance - Annual Behavioral Health Wellness Visits - Coverage and Reimbursement

SB 328 requires Maryland's Medicaid program (Maryland Medical Assistance Program) and certain health insurers, nonprofit health service plans, and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) to cover annual behavioral health wellness visits starting July 1, 2026. These visits are defined as clinical assessments to identify potential psychiatric or substance use disorders, without requiring a formal diagnosis. The bill mandates that covered entities provide this coverage regardless of the assessment outcome and reimburse providers at the same rate as visits resulting in a diagnosed condition. This policy applies to all health insurance policies issued or renewed in Maryland on or after January 1, 2026.