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MD SB460

MD SB460
Maryland Medical Assistance Program – Gender–Affirming Treatment (Trans Health Equity Act)


summary

Introduced
02/03/2023
In Committee
03/29/2023
Crossed Over
03/20/2023
Passed
03/31/2023
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
05/03/2023

Introduced Session

2023 Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT concerning Maryland Medical Assistance Program - Gender-Affirming Treatment (Trans Health Equity Act) FOR the purpose of requiring, beginning on a certain date, the Maryland Medical Assistance Program to provide medically necessary gender-affirming treatment in a nondiscriminatory manner; requiring that the gender-affirming treatment be assessed according to nondiscriminatory criteria that are consistent with current clinical standards; prohibiting the Program from issuing an adverse benefit determination related to gender-affirming treatment unless a health care provider with experience prescribing or delivering gender-affirming treatment has reviewed and confirmed the appropriateness of the determination; and generally relating to gender-affirming treatment and the Maryland Medical Assistance Program. BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, Article - Health - General Section 15-103(a)(1) Annotated Code of Maryland (2019 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement) BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, Article - Health - General Section 15-103(a)(2)(xx) and (xxi) Annotated Code of Maryland (2019 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement) BY adding to Article - Health - General Section 15-103(a)(2)(xxii) and 15-151 Annotated Code of Maryland (2019 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement)

AI Summary

This bill, the "Trans Health Equity Act," requires the Maryland Medical Assistance Program to provide medically necessary gender-affirming treatment in a nondiscriminatory manner starting on January 1, 2024. Gender-affirming treatment is defined to include various medical procedures, such as hormone therapy, voice alterations, and surgical changes. The bill prohibits the program from denying or limiting coverage for gender-affirming treatment based on the recipient's gender identity. It also requires the program to assess gender-affirming treatment according to nondiscriminatory criteria and to have a healthcare provider with relevant experience review and confirm any adverse benefits determinations. The bill further requires managed care organizations and the Department of Health to report on and publish information about providers offering gender-affirming treatment to increase transparency and access.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

Sponsors (14)

Last Action

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 252 (on 05/03/2023)

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