Maryland Department of Health - Study on Maryland Medical Assistance Program Reimbursement of Hospice Room and Board Services

SB 611 requires the Maryland Department of Health to study whether reimbursing hospice houses for room and board services under the state's Medicaid program (Maryland Medical Assistance Program) would save money and improve care outcomes. The study must quantify Medicaid savings per death from hospice care and examine how reimbursement would affect hospice readmission rates, length of stay, hospital deaths, and emergency department visits. This study, mandated by the bill, directly impacts hospice providers and the state's Medicaid program. The Department must report findings to legislative committees by September 30, 2026, but the bill does not change current reimbursement policies.