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MarylandHB 06372026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Public Health - Recommendations for Immunizations, Screenings, and Preventive Services - Pharmacist Administration and Required Health Insurance Coverage (The Vax Act)

Sponsored By: Gabriel Acevero (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Health Care Facilities and RegulationHealth - InsuranceHealth OccupationsChildren (4-12)Electronic GovernmentHealth -see also- COVID19; EnvHlth; MedCon; etc.Health Care CommissionHealth, Department ofHealth Insurance -see also- ACA; HMOs; MCOsImmunizationInfants and Toddlers (0-3)Internet -see also- Internet AccessPharmacists and Pharmacies -see also- DrugsPublic InformationRules and RegulationsStandards and Best PracticesStudies -see also- Commitees & Commissions; ReportsTime

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Easier to get vaccines at pharmacies

Starting July 1, 2026, trained pharmacists can give more vaccines to people age 7 or older. The vaccines include shots the Maryland Secretary of Health recommends, ACIP‑recommended vaccines, and FDA‑approved or authorized vaccines. Pharmacists must complete at least 20 hours of hands‑on training, keep a current CPR card, and take vaccine continuing education. They must follow written protocols, report shots to ImmuNet, and tell your primary care provider.

No-cost preventive care in most plans

Beginning January 1, 2027, health insurers cover key preventive care with no copays or coinsurance. Covered care includes services with an A or B rating, routine vaccines, HRSA child care and women’s preventive services, and contraception as allowed by State law. The scope follows updates the Secretary of Health issues. High‑deductible plans may still apply the deductible unless the Insurance Commissioner says the IRS preventive safe harbor applies. Out‑of‑network cost‑sharing is allowed if federal or State law permits.

No-deductible child wellness and vaccines

Starting January 1, 2027, family health plans must include a child wellness package with no deductible. It covers all childhood and teen vaccines the CDC recommended as of December 31, 2024. It also adds later updates the Secretary of Health issues. This applies to expense‑incurred policies that cover a family member.

State sets preventive care recommendations

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Secretary of Health sets and publishes state recommendations for vaccines, screenings, and preventive care for all ages. The recommendations follow major medical groups and consider CDC, FDA, HRSA, and USPSTF guidance. The Department posts them online and sends them to providers and the Insurance Administration. Before adding a non‑vaccine service without HHS or USPSTF A/B support, the Secretary must allow at least 30 days for public comment and get an analysis from the Maryland Health Care Commission. On the same date, the law repeals Maryland’s old pertussis‑only sections.

New preventive updates take effect later

New preventive recommendations from the Secretary reach your plan later. Carriers must add them for plan years that start one year after the recommendation date. This replaces the old three‑month window. The insurance changes apply to policies issued, delivered, or renewed on or after January 1, 2027.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Gabriel Acevero

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Nick Allen

    Democratic • House

  • Marlon Amprey

    Democratic • House

  • Heather Bagnall

    Democratic • House

  • Dylan Behler

    Democratic • House

  • Harry Bhandari

    Democratic • House

  • Adrian Boafo

    Democratic • House

  • Regina T. Boyce

    Democratic • House

  • Derrick Coley

    Democratic • House

  • Bonnie Cullison

    Democratic • House

  • Dana Jones

    Democratic • House

  • Eric Ebersole

    Democratic • House

  • Mark Edelson

    Democratic • House

  • Diana M. Fennell

    Democratic • House

  • Linda Foley

    Democratic • House

  • Catherine M. Forbes

    Democratic • House

  • Michele Guyton

    Democratic • House

  • Pam Lanman Guzzone

    Democratic • House

  • Andrea Fletcher Harrison

    Democratic • House

  • Terri L. Hill

    Democratic • House

  • Marvin E. Holmes

    Democratic • House

  • Julian Ivey

    Democratic • House

  • Aaron M. Kaufman

    Democratic • House

  • Robbyn Lewis

    Democratic • House

  • Lesley J. Lopez

    Democratic • House

  • Ashanti Martinez

    Democratic • House

  • Bernice Mireku-North

    Democratic • House

  • David Moon

    Democratic • House

  • Gabriel M. Moreno

    Democratic • House

  • Darrell Odom

    Democratic • House

  • Julie Palakovich Carr

    Democratic • House

  • Cheryl E. Pasteur

    Democratic • House

  • Edith J. Patterson

    Democratic • House

  • N. Scott Phillips

    Democratic • House

  • Andrew C. Pruski

    Democratic • House

  • Lily Qi

    Democratic • House

  • Denise Roberts

    Democratic • House

  • Mike Rogers

    Democratic • House

  • Samuel I. Rosenberg

    Democratic • House

  • Kim Ross

    Democratic • House

  • Malcolm P. Ruff

    Democratic • House

  • Gary Simmons

    Democratic • House

  • Jared Solomon

    Democratic • House

  • Ryan Spiegel

    Democratic • House

  • Vaughn Stewart

    Democratic • House

  • Deni Taveras

    Democratic • House

  • Veronica Turner

    Democratic • House

  • Joe Vogel

    Democratic • House

  • Courtney Watson

    Democratic • House

  • Jennifer White Holland

    Democratic • House

  • Greg Wims

    Democratic • House

  • Jamila J. Woods

    Democratic • House

  • Teresa Woorman

    Democratic • House

  • Chao Wu

    Democratic • House

  • Natalie Ziegler

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 203 • No: 231

Senate vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 31 • No: 13 • Other: 1

House vote • 3/21/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 98 • No: 32 • Other: 5

House vote • 3/20/2026

Floor Amendment {203925/1 (Delegate Miller) Rejected

Yes: 37 • No: 92 • Other: 7

House vote • 3/20/2026

Floor Amendment {863029/1 (Delegate Arikan) Rejected

Yes: 37 • No: 94 • Other: 5

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 7

    4/14/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/9/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (31-13)

    4/8/2026Senate

  4. Second Reading Passed

    4/7/2026Senate

  5. Favorable Adopted

    4/7/2026Senate

  6. Favorable Report by Finance

    4/6/2026Senate

  7. Referred Finance

    3/23/2026Senate

  8. Third Reading Passed (98-32)

    3/21/2026House

  9. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/20/2026House

  10. Floor Amendment {203925/1 (Delegate Miller) Rejected (37-92)

    3/20/2026House

  11. Floor Amendment {863029/1 (Delegate Arikan) Rejected (37-94)

    3/20/2026House

  12. Motion Special Order until Next Session (Delegate Arikan) Adopted

    3/20/2026House

  13. Favorable with Amendments {493126/1 Adopted

    3/20/2026House

  14. Favorable with Amendments Report by Health

    3/20/2026House

  15. Hearing 2/26 at 1:30 p.m.

    2/26/2026House

  16. Hearing canceled

    2/26/2026House

  17. Hearing 2/26 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/5/2026House

  18. Hearing canceled

    2/5/2026House

  19. Hearing 2/12 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/4/2026House

  20. First Reading Health

    1/30/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/14/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/20/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/30/2026

    PDF

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