Bill > SB891

This bill requires certain insurers, nonprofit health service plans, and health maintenance organizations (carriers) to cover screening for perinatal behavioral health conditions, which are defined as mental or behavioral health conditions occurring during pregnancy or within one year after pregnancy concludes, including conditions that do not result in a live birth, and specifically includes postpartum depression. Starting January 1, 2027, coverage must be provided at well-child visits within the first year of a child's life, as deemed appropriate by the healthcare provider, and the Maryland Department of Health is tasked with establishing a program for this screening. Additionally, healthcare providers who evaluate and manage perinatal care will be required to provide patients with information on these conditions and available resources, and hospitals must provide this information to birthing parents upon discharge. The bill also mandates that applicants for the renewal of certain health occupation licenses or certificates who work with the perinatal population must complete continuing education hours on perinatal behavioral health conditions, with specific provisions for how these hours are counted towards renewal requirements. Finally, the Maryland Health Care Commission is directed to analyze the impact of these coverage requirements and report its findings.