Bill > HB886

This bill mandates that starting January 1, 2027, the Maryland Medical Assistance Program, along with various insurers, nonprofit health service plans, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and managed care organizations (MCOs), must cover services provided by certified peer recovery specialists, regardless of where these services are delivered. Certified peer recovery specialists are individuals with lived experience of addiction or behavioral health challenges who are certified by the Maryland Addiction & Behavioral-Health Professionals Certification Board or a similar entity, and they provide support and guidance to others in recovery. Additionally, the Maryland Department of Health is required to establish a workgroup to explore ways to streamline the certification process for these specialists, including considering reciprocity, and will report its findings and any legislative recommendations to relevant committees.

Health and Social Services

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0886?ys=2026RS