Medical Assistance Programs - Drug Dispensing - Cost-of-Dispensing Survey
SB 839 requires Maryland's Department of Health to conduct a survey of pharmacy dispensing costs in the state every three years starting in 2026. Within six months after each survey, the Department must establish a fee charged to pharmacies for dispensing drugs under the state's Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid). This fee will be based directly on the survey results, aiming to reflect actual dispensing costs. The bill applies specifically to pharmacies participating in Maryland's Medicaid program and takes effect October 1, 2026.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Apr 2026
Senate Passage
Apr 2026
House of Delegates Passage
Apr 2026
Signed into Law
May 2026
Introduced Feb 6, 2026
Signed May 26, 2026
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What changed between versions
First - Medical Assistance Programs - Drug Dispensing - Cost-of-Dispensing Survey and Fee-for-Service Professional Dispensing Fee
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Third - Medical Assistance Programs - Drug Dispensing - Cost-of-Dispensing Survey
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3 edits
MINOR
The bill was amended to replace the requirement for the Department to adopt new regulations with a mandate to report survey results to the General Assembly. Additionally, the bill was updated to reflect its successful passage through the Senate, including a favorable committee report and adoption status.
REQUIREMENT
Changed the Department's obligation from adopting new regulations based on survey results to simply reporting those results to the General Assembly.
TIMELINE
Added a specific deadline requiring the Department to report survey results to the General Assembly on or before December 1 of each year the survey is conducted.
TECHNICAL
Updated header information to reflect the bill's progression to the third reading, including a favorable committee report and Senate adoption.
Floor votes · Senate Mar 7, 2026 · House of Delegates Mar 20, 2026
How they voted
44–0
Passed · 5 other
Total votes 49
Mar 7, 2026
D
Democratic36
88% Yea
R
Republican13
92% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
15
Key actions
10
Committee
6
May 26, 2026
Signed into law
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 708
executive
Apr 8, 2026
Upper · Passed
Returned Passed
upper
Apr 7, 2026
Lower · Passed
Third Reading Passed
lower
Apr 3, 2026
Lower · Passed
Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
lower
Apr 3, 2026
Lower · Passed
Favorable Report by Health
lower
Mar 24, 2026
Committee
Referred Health
lower
Mar 23, 2026
Upper · Passed
Third Reading Passed
upper
Mar 23, 2026
Upper · Passed
Favorable with Amendments {
upper
Mar 23, 2026
Upper · Passed
Favorable with Amendments Report by Finance
upper
Mar 20, 2026
House Of Delegates · Passed
House of Delegates Vote: pass (138-0-4)
house of delegates
Mar 7, 2026
Senate · Passed
Senate Vote: pass (44-0-5)
senate
Feb 6, 2026
Committee
First Reading Finance
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Justin Ready
RRepublican
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