MarylandSB 02442026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Code Revision - Health - Maryland Medical Assistance Program

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

13 provisions identified: 11 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

More Medicaid for pregnancy and babies

Beginning October 1, 2026, Medicaid covers people who are pregnant with family income at or below 250% of the poverty level. Coverage lasts through pregnancy and for 12 months after birth. Babies under age 1 are covered if family income is below 185% of the poverty level. Managed care benefits must be at least as good as the January 1, 1996 level and must include dental care for people who are pregnant.

Broader CHIP coverage and easier signups

Starting October 1, 2026, CHIP can cover people who do not qualify for Medicaid if funding and federal rules allow it. The Health Department must create outreach to find children who may qualify. CHIP may guarantee up to 6 months of coverage unless the person gets other insurance.

Easier birth control under Medicaid and CHIP

Starting October 1, 2026, Medicaid and CHIP cannot require prior authorization for FDA‑approved IUDs or implantable rods unless the product has an FDA black box warning. Both programs must also cover a single 12‑month dispensing of prescription contraceptives.

Faster care for kids in CHIP

Starting October 1, 2026, CHIP cannot require prior authorization to transfer a child to a special pediatric hospital. CHIP must also cover services by licensed pharmacists within their scope, with payment not tied to physician employment or orders.

More mental health and addiction care in Medicaid

Medicaid plans must provide primary mental health services and ensure substance use disorder treatment for people who need it, including people who are pregnant. Starting October 1, 2026, the State pays for medically necessary inpatient, intermediate, and halfway house SUD treatment for enrollees age 21 or older who get Temporary Cash Assistance, as allowed by federal law and the State budget.

Set yearly income limits for eligibility

Starting October 1, 2026, the Department sets yearly income limits that are at least these amounts: $2,500 for a family of 1; $3,000 for 2; $3,500 for 3; $4,000 for 4; $4,500 for 5 plus $500 for each extra person. The Department updates these amounts each year.

SNAP fast-track to Medicaid and CHIP

The Department uses SNAP findings alone to enroll and renew people in Medicaid and CHIP, without extra income checks. It must apply for needed federal waivers and speed enrollments and renewals. The law sets a deadline of January 1, 2025 for establishing Express Lane Eligibility, and the Act’s general effective date is October 1, 2026.

Stronger rules for Medicaid plans

Your Medicaid plan must run a State‑approved quality program with a complaint system, surveys, and a consumer board. Plans must keep key health and social information in your record and give you a standard information sheet once the State creates it. They must report service use, including substance use treatment, at least twice a year. Plans must ensure a nearby licensed pharmacy and pay school clinics that treat enrollees. For kids under 21, plans must arrange needed therapeutic dental care; HMOs must spread enrollees fairly among providers; plans may offer enrollee incentives as allowed by law.

Up to six months of Medicaid coverage

The program may guarantee up to 6 months of eligibility for each enrollee beginning October 1, 2026. The guarantee ends if you get other health insurance. This depends on the State budget and federal rules.

Who must be in Medicaid managed care

The Secretary may require recipients to enroll in managed care, if federal law or a waiver allows it. The Secretary can also exclude certain groups or services and allow separate dental plans for them. Long‑term care people and services stay outside managed care, except through PACE. These rules apply beginning October 1, 2026.

New Medicaid advisory committee of enrollees

Beginning October 1, 2026, a Medicaid Advisory Committee of up to 25 people advises the State. A majority are enrollees or enrollee advocates, and at least five are enrollees. This brings enrollee voices into program decisions.

Stronger enforcement of Medicaid plan rules

If a Medicaid plan breaks rules, the State can fine it, stop new enrollments, withhold payments, or end its contract. The Department can also move you to a different plan for cause. Fines go to the State Comptroller. These protections take effect October 1, 2026.

Faster Medicaid updates without full rulemaking

Starting October 1, 2026, the Health Department does not have to use full rulemaking for some program changes, except as the law specifically requires. This can speed updates to the program.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 177 • No: 1

House vote • 4/2/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 133 • No: 1 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 2/12/2026