Bill > HB1118

This bill requires certain insurers, nonprofit health service plans, and health maintenance organizations (carriers) to cover screening for perinatal behavioral health conditions, which are mental or behavioral health issues occurring during pregnancy or within one year after pregnancy concludes, including postpartum depression. Health care providers are also mandated to screen for these conditions at appropriate times during the first year of a child's life, and the Maryland Department of Health will identify suitable screening tools and help providers access resources for further care. Additionally, the bill expands the definition of "perinatal behavioral health condition" to include issues arising up to one year after pregnancy, regardless of whether the pregnancy resulted in a live birth, and ensures that coverage for these screenings is provided without imposing higher copayments or deductibles than for similar services. The Maryland Health Care Commission will also analyze the impact of these new coverage requirements.