Bill > HB356

This bill modifies prescription drug benefits for Maryland state retirees, focusing on those who began state service on or after July 1, 2011. Specifically, the bill mandates that on January 1, 2019, the state will discontinue prescription drug benefits for Medicare-eligible retirees, their Medicare-eligible spouses, and Medicare-eligible dependent children. To provide alternative support, the bill establishes three new programs: the Maryland State Retiree Prescription Drug Coverage Program, the Maryland State Retiree Catastrophic Prescription Drug Assistance Program, and the Maryland State Retiree Life-Sustaining Prescription Drug Assistance Program. These programs are designed to help Medicare-eligible retirees by offering reimbursements for out-of-pocket prescription drug costs through mechanisms like health reimbursement accounts. The bill also requires the Department of Budget and Management to provide one-on-one counseling services to help retirees navigate Medicare prescription drug benefit plans, develop communication strategies to inform retirees about available programs, and submit quarterly reports on program implementation. The intent is to ensure that retirees have access to prescription drug support while transitioning to Medicare-based coverage, with the changes set to take effect on July 1, 2025, subject to potential adjustments based on a pending legal injunction.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0356?ys=2025RS