SB 839 Maryland Senate · 2026 Regular Session

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 Third - Medical Assistance Programs - Drug Dispensing - Cost-of-Dispensing Survey · 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

440
Passed · 5 other
Total votes 49
Mar 7, 2026
D Democratic36
32 Yea 4
88% Yea
R Republican13
12 Yea 1
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
Photo of Justin Ready
Justin Ready
RRepublican
MD
5