Bill > HB665

This bill requires the Maryland Medical Assistance Program and certain health insurers, health service plans, and health maintenance organizations to provide coverage for annual behavioral health wellness visits starting July 1, 2026. A behavioral health wellness visit is defined as a clinical encounter where a licensed health care practitioner assesses whether a patient meets criteria for a psychiatric or substance use disorder. The bill mandates that these entities must provide coverage for such visits, regardless of whether a behavioral health diagnosis is made, and must reimburse these visits at the same rate and on the same basis as visits resulting in a diagnosis. The legislation applies to all health insurance policies, contracts, and health benefit plans issued, delivered, or renewed in Maryland on or after January 1, 2026. This bill aims to improve access to preventive mental health screenings by ensuring that patients can receive an annual behavioral health assessment without additional financial barriers, potentially helping to identify mental health concerns earlier and more consistently.

Health and Social Services

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0665?ys=2025RS