Bill > HB440

This bill requires the Maryland Department of Health to create a better payment system for healthcare providers who serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the Maryland Medicaid Assistance Program. This enhanced reimbursement structure will allow the Department to pay providers more than the standard rates for certain services, make ongoing adjustments to these rates to ensure providers can offer services, maintain capacity, and deliver quality care, and prioritize higher payments for services that require extra time, communication support, or specialized training. The bill also mandates that the Department of Health adopt regulations to implement this new system, including criteria for provider eligibility and specific payment rates. Crucially, this entire initiative is dependent on the availability of federal funding, specifically mentioning the federal Health Equity for Adults with Disabilities (HEADs UP) Act or similar federal programs that support healthcare equity for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, and will only take effect if such funds are confirmed and notified to the Department of Legislative Services by December 31, 2036, otherwise the bill will become void.

Health and Social Services

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0440?ys=2026RS