Bill > SB205

This bill aims to codify federal requirements into Maryland law regarding mental health and substance use disorder benefits, ensuring that health insurance carriers provide comparable coverage for these conditions as they do for medical and surgical benefits. It defines key terms like "carrier" (which includes insurers, health maintenance organizations, and other entities providing health plans), "mental health benefits," and "substance use disorder benefits," aligning these definitions with federal standards and established medical practices. The bill mandates that carriers conduct comparative analyses of how they apply limitations on treatment for mental health and substance use disorders compared to medical conditions, and to collect and report data to assess the impact of these limitations on access to care. If these analyses reveal significant differences in access, carriers must explain these disparities and take steps to ensure compliance with the law, with the Maryland Insurance Administration overseeing enforcement and having the authority to issue orders or impose penalties for noncompliance. The bill also clarifies that carriers bear the responsibility of proving their benefit designs and limitations comply with these parity requirements, and it sets an effective date of July 1, 2026.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

Finance (Senate)

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0205?ys=2026RS