Bill > HB445

This bill, known as the "So Every Body Can Move Act," mandates that starting January 1, 2027, the Maryland Medical Assistance Program, along with certain insurers, nonprofit health service plans, and health maintenance organizations (HMOs), must provide coverage for orthoses, which are devices used to support, improve function, or relieve symptoms of a body part, including custom-made or modified devices for various conditions. The bill also clarifies that existing coverage for prostheses, which are artificial devices replacing body parts, includes all prostheses deemed medically necessary by a healthcare provider for daily living activities, essential job-related tasks, or specific physical activities, and these benefits cannot have separate annual or lifetime dollar maximums or be subject to higher copayments than other similar medical benefits, with coverage requirements for medical necessity aligning with Medicare guidelines. Furthermore, the bill requires reporting on compliance with these new coverage mandates from 2027 through 2030, with a joint report to be submitted to legislative committees by December 31, 2032, and clarifies that these provisions apply to all policies, contracts, and health benefit plans issued, delivered, or renewed in Maryland on or after January 1, 2027.