All Roll Calls
Yes: 275 • No: 20
MarylandHB 07722026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
Behavioral Health Rate Methodology Modernization - Workgroup Establishment and Study
Sponsored By: Emily Shetty (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
Health Care Facilities and RegulationPublic HealthAssociations -see also- Cooperative AssociationsClinicsCommittees and CommissionsCounselors and TherapistsGeneral Assembly -see also- AELR Cmte; LegislativePolCmteHealth Care CommissionHealth Care Facilities -see also- Clinics; Hospices; etcHealth, Department ofHealth Planning and Cost ReviewLegislative Services, Department ofMental and Behavioral Health -see also- Aut; Cogn; Dev; etc.Prices -see also- Consumer Price IndexReimbursementsReportsRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)Standards and Best PracticesStudies -see also- Commitees & Commissions; ReportsSunsetVirtual Environments
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Workgroup to design fair provider rates
Effective July 1, 2026, the Health Care Commission hosts a Workgroup to design transparent, cost‑based pay methods for community behavioral health. It uses the federal clinic cost study as a baseline and studies staffing, telehealth, geography, nonprofit vs. for‑profit, and group sizes. Samples exclude programs started after 2020, and methods plan rebasing every 3 years and must follow federal Medicaid limits. The Commission provides technical help, and a Behavioral Health Administration liaison coordinates Medicaid policy. The Workgroup ends June 30, 2028 and does not itself change pay.
New Medicaid payment system for behavioral health
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Health Department runs an independent cost study to set fair community behavioral health rates. The study must finish by June 30, 2028. Providers must file cost reports starting July 1, 2026. Two state agencies must build and adopt a new payment system using the study and Workgroup recommendations, and write regulations to run it. The law does not raise rates now; any future increases need later budget approval.
Regular reports on provider pay and staffing
The Workgroup must submit an interim report by June 1, 2027 and a final report by December 1, 2027 with rate methods, cost models, phased options, and fiscal estimates. By January 1, 2028, the Health Care Commission must report on the delivery system and progress. Starting December 1, 2028, the Commission must send yearly reports on wages, benefits, turnover, and hiring. These reports add transparency and do not themselves change payments.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Emily Shetty
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Tiffany T. Alston
Democratic • House
Heather Bagnall
Democratic • House
Bonnie Cullison
Democratic • House
Dana Jones
Democratic • House
Mark Edelson
Democratic • House
Catherine M. Forbes
Democratic • House
Guy Guzzone
Democratic • Senate
Terri L. Hill
Democratic • House
Aaron M. Kaufman
Democratic • House
Lesley J. Lopez
Democratic • House
Ashanti Martinez
House
Aletheia McCaskill
Democratic • House
Samuel I. Rosenberg
Democratic • House
Kim Ross
Democratic • House
Malcolm P. Ruff
Democratic • House
Steve Johnson
Democratic • House
Deni Taveras
Democratic • House
Jennifer White Holland
Democratic • House
Teresa Woorman
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/9/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 42 • No: 0 • Other: 3
House vote • 4/9/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 122 • No: 7 • Other: 12
House vote • 3/21/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 111 • No: 13 • Other: 17
Actions Timeline
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 219
4/28/2026Passed Enrolled
4/9/2026HouseThird Reading Passed (122-7)
4/9/2026HouseHouse Concurs Senate Amendments
4/9/2026HouseThird Reading Passed (42-0)
4/9/2026SenateSecond Reading Passed with Amendments
4/8/2026SenateFavorable with Amendments {803426/1 Adopted
4/8/2026SenateFavorable with Amendments Report by Finance
4/8/2026SenateHearing 3/31 at 1:00 p.m.
3/25/2026SenateReferred Finance
3/23/2026SenateThird Reading Passed (111-13)
3/21/2026HouseSecond Reading Passed with Amendments
3/20/2026HouseFavorable with Amendments {243223/1 Adopted
3/20/2026HouseFavorable with Amendments Report by Health
3/20/2026HouseHearing 2/25 at 1:00 p.m.
2/9/2026HouseFirst Reading Health
2/4/2026House
Bill Text
Enrolled
4/9/2026
Third Reading
3/20/2026
First Reading
2/4/2026
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