Bill > HB158

This bill establishes a pilot program within the Maryland Medical Assistance Program, referred to as the "Program," to support pregnant and postpartum individuals enrolled in managed care organizations who have been diagnosed with maternal hypertension (high blood pressure that develops during or continues through pregnancy) or maternal diabetes. The pilot program, which will run for fiscal years 2027 and 2028, aims to reduce pregnancy complications by utilizing remote patient monitoring, a technology that securely collects and transmits health data like blood pressure and blood glucose levels from participants. Participating managed care organizations will contract with technology vendors to provide these services, with the state allocating up to $600,000 to cover administrative fees and vendor costs. Technology vendors will supply pre-programmed devices, train participants, and employ a clinical team, including nurses and dietitians, to monitor data, establish an "escalation pathway" for urgent cases, and provide health coaching. The Department of Health will oversee the program, ensuring geographic diversity and a statistically relevant number of participants, and will report on its impact on costs, maternal and fetal outcomes by October 1, 2028, with recommendations for statewide implementation. This Act will take effect on July 1, 2026, and will be repealed on June 30, 2029.