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MarylandSB 04962026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

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

Sponsored By: Stephen S. Hershey (Republican)

Became Law

Public HealthCounselors and TherapistsDrugs -see also- Cannabis; ControlDangSubst; Pharm; etc.Health, Department ofHealth Insurance -see also- ACA; HMOs; MCOsMedical AssistanceMedical Conditions -see also- AIDS; COVID-19; rabiesMedical TreatmentsReports

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Medicaid may cover obesity care in 2027

Beginning January 1, 2027, Maryland Medicaid may offer full obesity treatment if the Health Department elects it and federal CMS approves. If offered, coverage includes intensive behavioral therapy, bariatric surgery, and FDA‑approved chronic weight‑management drugs. The Department must notify enrollees if this coverage starts. Medicaid may use medical‑necessity reviews for obesity care, the same way it does for other covered conditions.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Stephen S. Hershey

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Clarence K. Lam

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 194 • No: 23

Senate vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 42 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 109 • No: 23 • Other: 4

Senate vote • 3/23/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 43 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Enacted under Article II, Section 17(c) of the Maryland Constitution - Chapter 866

    5/31/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/9/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (42-0)

    4/9/2026Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/9/2026Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed (109-23)

    4/8/2026House

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/3/2026House

  7. Favorable with Amendments {993226/1 Adopted

    4/3/2026House

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Health

    4/3/2026House

  9. Hearing 3/31 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/24/2026House

  10. Referred Health

    3/24/2026House

  11. Third Reading Passed (43-0)

    3/23/2026Senate

  12. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/23/2026Senate

  13. Floor Amendment {533126/1 (Senator Lam) Adopted

    3/23/2026Senate

  14. Favorable Adopted

    3/23/2026Senate

  15. Favorable Report by Finance

    3/23/2026Senate

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

    2/3/2026Senate

  17. First Reading Finance

    2/2/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/31/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/9/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/23/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/2/2026

    PDF

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