Maryland Medical Assistance Program and Health Insurance - Pharmacogenomic Testing - Required Coverage

Maryland Senate Bill 961 requires the state's Medicaid program (Maryland Medical Assistance Program) and certain health insurers, nonprofit health plans, and health maintenance organizations to cover pharmacogenomic testing starting July 1, 2026. It mandates coverage when a treating provider orders testing for patients with depression or anxiety considering a medication change with a known gene-drug interaction. The bill also limits prior authorization requirements to ensure timely access, requiring only minimal documentation and preventing unnecessary delays. This directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries and patients covered by participating health plans who need this type of genetic testing to guide medication choices.