Healthcare

passed both · Maryland · Senate Apr 13, 2026

SB 551: Health Insurance - Ovarian Cancer Prevention With Salpingectomy - Required Coverage and Prohibited Cost Sharing

This bill requires health insurers and health plans in Maryland to cover salpingectomy (surgery to remove fallopian tubes) specifically for ovarian cancer prevention as a standard benefit, with no out-of-pocket costs like copays or deductibles for patients. It applies to all health insurance policies issued in Maryland after January 1, 2027, directly affecting women who might choose this preventive surgery and the insurers providing coverage. The key provision bans cost-sharing for this procedure, except when an individual is enrolled in a high-deductible health plan meeting federal criteria. This ensures access to a proven preventive measure without financial barriers for most patients.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates full insurance coverage for ovarian cancer prevention surgery, eliminating patient cost-sharing and expanding access to preventive care.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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passed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 13, 2026

HB 797: Employment Discrimination - Fire and Rescue Public Safety Employees - Use of Medical Cannabis

HB 797 prohibits employers from discriminating against fire and rescue public safety employees who use medical cannabis, provided they have a valid written certification from a licensed healthcare provider under Maryland's medical cannabis program. The bill modifies existing law to clarify that an employer cannot take adverse employment actions (like termination or denial of promotion) solely due to medical cannabis use, as long as the employee meets the state's certification requirements. It updates definitions in Maryland law to ensure fire and rescue employees qualify for the same protections as other medical cannabis patients under the existing program. The law does not override workplace safety rules or require employers to accommodate cannabis use during work hours.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProtects employment rights for medical cannabis users under state healthcare program, advancing patient access to treatment without discrimination95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProhibits employment discrimination against medical cannabis users in fire/rescue roles, protecting workers' rights under state certification requirements.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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passed both · Maryland · Senate Apr 13, 2026

SB 866: Public Health - Chain Restaurants - Disclosure and Notice to Customers of Sodium and Added Sugars

SB 866 requires chain restaurants with 20 or more locations in Maryland to display warning icons next to menu items exceeding 1,150mg sodium or 25mg added sugars per serving, starting January 1, 2028. The Maryland Department of Health must create these icons and guidelines by January 1, 2027, and run a public education campaign during 2027 to explain compliance. The bill directly affects large chain restaurants by mandating clear labeling of high-sodium and high-sugar menu items. It defines "high sodium" as 1,150mg per serving and "high added sugars" as 25mg per serving for labeling purposes.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates clear labeling of high-sodium/high-sugar menu items to promote informed dietary choices and prevent diet-related health issues, aligning with public health initiatives.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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passed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 13, 2026

HB 494: Health Insurance - Primary Care Investment Targets - Reimbursement and Reporting

HB 494 requires health insurance companies, nonprofit health service plans, and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) operating in Maryland to structure their reimbursements to primary care providers in a way that meets annual investment targets set by the state. Starting February 1, 2026, these entities must report their progress toward meeting these targets when filing new or updated premium rates with the Maryland Insurance Commissioner. The bill amends insurance code sections to mandate this reporting requirement as part of premium rate filings. It takes effect October 1, 2026, focusing on transparency and accountability for primary care funding.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates higher insurer reimbursements for primary care to meet state investment targets, improving provider access and funding for essential health services.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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passed both · Maryland · Senate Apr 13, 2026

SB 348: Hospitals and Freestanding Birthing Centers - High-Risk Pregnancies - Communication After Discharge

SB 348 requires hospitals and freestanding birthing centers in Maryland to provide specific postpartum support to individuals who have experienced high-risk pregnancies. It mandates that facilities complete referral forms for local health departments, provide resources about postpartum complications (including cardiovascular conditions, chronic disease, substance misuse, and mental health), and call birthing parents 24 to 72 hours after discharge to assess their status. The bill also requires annual reports from health departments detailing referrals made through this process. These provisions apply to all facilities delivering newborns following high-risk pregnancies and take effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates postpartum support, mental health resources, and follow-up calls for high-risk pregnancies - expands patient access and protection in healthcare services.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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passed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 13, 2026

HB 598: Physicians - Licensing - Internationally Trained Physicians and Licensed Physicians Residing in Other Jurisdictions

HB 598 creates a temporary license for internationally trained physicians to practice medicine in Maryland under specific conditions. It allows the State Board of Physicians to issue a 3-year license (non-renewable) to doctors who hold a WHO-recognized medical degree outside the U.S., completed 2 years of equivalent postgraduate training, practiced medicine for 5 of the last 7 years abroad, passed U.S. medical exams (USMLE Steps 1-3), and meet other criteria like English proficiency and Maryland residency. The license requires physicians to pursue full licensure through board-established pathways after the temporary period ends. This directly affects internationally trained doctors seeking to work in Maryland’s healthcare system, providing a structured but limited pathway to practice.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates temporary licensing pathway for internationally trained physicians, expanding provider access and addressing healthcare workforce shortages in Maryland.90% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill enables internationally trained physicians (often immigrants) to practice medicine in Maryland, facilitating professional integration and providing healthcare services to immigrant communities.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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passed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 13, 2026

HB 633: Health Insurance - Ovarian Cancer Prevention With Salpingectomy - Required Coverage

HB 633 requires Maryland health insurers, nonprofit health plans, and health maintenance organizations to cover salpingectomy (surgical removal of fallopian tubes) as a preventive measure for ovarian cancer. It prohibits these insurers from charging copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles for this specific procedure, ensuring no out-of-pocket costs for covered individuals. The exception applies only to high-deductible health plans under federal law, allowing the deductible to apply to the procedure in those cases. This law directly affects women eligible for preventive care and the health insurance providers operating in Maryland.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates full insurance coverage for ovarian cancer prevention salpingectomy, prohibiting cost-sharing to improve access and patient rights.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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passed both · Maryland · Senate Apr 13, 2026

SB 489: Health Occupations - Physicians Trained in Foreign Countries - Exemption From Educational Requirements and Limited License

SB 489 modifies Maryland's licensing rules for physicians trained at international medical schools. It exempts applicants who provide evidence of completing two years of postgraduate training accredited by ACGME-I or another board-recognized body from standard educational requirements. These physicians would be permitted to practice medicine only during their initial license term under mandatory supervision, as specified by the Board. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026, directly affecting international medical graduates meeting these specific training criteria.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExempts international medical graduates from standard licensing requirements, enabling supervised practice to expand physician access and address healthcare workforce shortages.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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passed both · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 9, 2026

HB 813: Maryland Medical Assistance Program - Coverage for the Treatment of Obesity - Authorization

HB 813 authorizes Maryland's Medicaid program (Maryland Medical Assistance Program) to cover comprehensive obesity treatment, including intensive behavioral therapy, bariatric surgery, and FDA-approved weight management medications, starting January 1, 2027. The bill requires the Maryland Department of Health to notify Medicaid recipients if it chooses to provide this coverage and mandates a report to the legislature by November 1, 2027, on implementation progress. This directly affects Medicaid recipients with obesity by expanding covered treatments beyond current scope. The program may use standard utilization management processes (like for other conditions) to assess medical necessity but is not required to offer the coverage.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAuthorizes Medicaid expansion for obesity treatment, requiring state budget allocation for new coverage starting 2027, aligning with funding essential health programs.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill authorizes Medicaid coverage for obesity treatment (behavioral therapy, surgery, medications), expanding healthcare access and funding for a critical health condition.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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passed · Maryland · House of Delegates Mar 25, 2026

HB 1625: Public Health - Newborn Screening Program - Fees and Core Conditions

This bill updates Maryland's newborn screening program by changing how fees are set and how new tests are added to the screening panel. It requires the Department of Health to charge fees that cover all administrative, laboratory, and follow-up costs rather than setting a specific maximum amount. The bill also establishes a process where an advisory council must review risks, costs, and accessibility before the department decides whether to test for new conditions added to the national screening panel. Additionally, it extends the timeline for implementing new tests to two years if equipment or supplies are delayed, with required reporting to state committees.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill strengthens newborn screening program by ensuring full cost coverage and establishing advisory review for new tests, improving public health program effectiveness.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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