Bill > HB1117

This bill mandates that the Maryland Medical Assistance Program, also known as Medicaid, will cover approved elopement response devices and associated supports for eligible individuals, subject to budget limitations and federal funding. An "elopement response device" is defined as a medical device or assistive technology, such as door or window sensors or wearable location-enabled devices, approved by the Department of Health to prevent or respond to elopement, which is defined as an individual with a cognitive, developmental, or neurological condition leaving a safe area without the ability to recognize risk or return safely. This coverage applies to individuals under 21 eligible for early screening, those in home and community-based services waivers, or those diagnosed with Alzheimer's or related dementia who meet medical necessity criteria. Additionally, the bill requires certain insurers, nonprofit health service plans, and health maintenance organizations to provide coverage for these approved elopement response devices and supports for eligible individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's or related dementia, with this insurance provision taking effect on January 1, 2027.

Health and Social Services

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1117?ys=2026RS