Bill > HB696

This bill modifies prescription drug benefits for state retirees, generally allowing those who began state service before July 1, 2011, to continue receiving these benefits through the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, even if they are Medicare-eligible. However, for retirees who started state service on or after July 1, 2011, and their Medicare-eligible spouses and dependent children, prescription drug benefits from the state will be discontinued starting January 1, 2019. To help offset this, the bill establishes three new programs: the Maryland State Retiree Prescription Drug Coverage Program, the Maryland State Retiree Catastrophic Prescription Drug Assistance Program, and the Maryland State Retiree Life-Sustaining Prescription Drug Assistance Program, which will provide reimbursements for certain out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for eligible Medicare-enrolled retirees and their families. The bill also includes provisions for informing retirees about their options and providing counseling services to help them navigate Medicare's prescription drug plans, with specific timelines and reporting requirements for the Department of Budget and Management.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0696?ys=2026RS