Bill > SB490

This bill, effective July 1, 2026, prohibits the Maryland Medical Assistance Program from requiring prior authorization or applying "step therapy or fail-first protocols" for prescription drugs used to treat adults diagnosed with serious mental illnesses including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or medication-induced movement disorders associated with these conditions. Step therapy or fail-first protocols, as defined in other Maryland law, require patients to try certain less expensive medications before a more expensive one is approved, and this bill aims to remove that hurdle for these specific mental health treatments. This prohibition will remain in effect for three years, until June 30, 2029.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0490?ys=2026RS