MarylandHB 10932026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Health Insurance - Provider Panels - Requirements

Sponsored By: Bonnie Cullison (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Health - InsuranceApplicants and ApplicationsCertificationsCommittees and CommissionsCommunications -see also- ElecComm; Intergov; etc.CybersecurityData -see also- Census; DemographicsDental HealthElectronic CommunicationFederal GovernmentFees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesFormsHealth Insurance -see also- ACA; HMOs; MCOsHealth Maintenance Organizations -see also- Manage Care OrgsInsurance AdministrationInternet -see also- Internet AccessLiabilityManaged Care Organizations -see also- Health Maint OrgsMental and Behavioral Health -see also- Aut; Cogn; Dev; etc.Nonprofit OrganizationsNoticesPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyPrivacyPrivate Schools -see also- Primary Schools; Secondary SchPublic Schools -see also- Primary Schools; Secondary SchRecords -see also- Land Records; Vital RecordsReimbursementsReportsRules and RegulationsTelephonesTimeTorts -see also-Med Malp; Wrongful Death

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Stronger provider directories and oversight

Carriers must update online provider directories within 2 working days after getting an electronic update from a provider. Tracked mail counts as received in 3 working days with a stamped certificate, or on the courier’s recorded date. Carriers must use the online credentialing system as the main data source for directories. The Insurance Commissioner sets update rules. The common directory system must let providers attest and update details online at least every 120 days. The vendor must allow direct provider access and let a designated person manage credentialing, run a stakeholder group, and file a yearly report on carrier processing times.

Faster credentialing and no fees

Beginning January 1, 2027, carriers must follow strict credentialing timelines. Within 15 days of a complete application, they must send a notice. If they keep processing, they must accept or reject within 60 days. For certain providers listed by law, the deadline is 30 days. If the form is incomplete, they must return it in 10 days and list what is missing. Providers can submit the uniform form online. Carriers must give a direct phone and a direct email for credentialing. They must reply to messages within 2 business days. Carriers cannot charge an application fee. Failure to send required notices is an enforceable violation under state insurance penalties.

In-network pay for pending providers

Carriers must pay a group practice the in‑network rate for a pending provider’s covered services. This applies when the provider is employed by or a member of the group. The provider must have a valid Maryland license. The provider must also meet one of these: credentialed by an accredited Maryland hospital; has professional liability insurance; or has federal or state tort immunity. The carrier must already have said it will keep processing the application.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Bonnie Cullison
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Tiffany T. Alston
Democratic • House
Heather Bagnall
Democratic • House
Pam Lanman Guzzone
Democratic • House
Terri L. Hill
Democratic • House
Thomas S. Hutchinson
Republican • House
Aaron M. Kaufman
Democratic • House
Nicholaus R. Kipke
Republican • House
Lesley J. Lopez
Democratic • House
Matthew Morgan
Republican • House
Ashanti Martinez
Democratic • House
Teresa E. Reilly
Republican • House
Samuel I. Rosenberg
Democratic • House
Kim Ross
Democratic • House
Steve Johnson
Democratic • House
Kathy Szeliga
Republican • House
Deni Taveras
Democratic • House
Jennifer White Holland
Democratic • House
Teresa Woorman
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 173 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 43 • No: 0 • Other: 2

House vote • 3/20/2026