Bill > HB1375

This bill requires certain health insurance providers, nonprofit health service plans, and health maintenance organizations in Maryland to cover the full duration of long-term antibiotic treatment for Lyme disease and related tick-borne illnesses when prescribed by a licensed physician for therapeutic purposes, meaning to manage symptoms. The bill defines "long-term antibiotic treatment" as antibiotic medications taken for longer than four weeks, and "related tick-borne illnesses" as conditions like bartonellosis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, or piroplasmosis that can be associated with Lyme disease. Importantly, these entities are prohibited from placing any time or quantity limits on this prescribed treatment or denying coverage simply because the treatment might be considered unproven, experimental, or investigational. This legislation will apply to policies and plans issued, delivered, or renewed in Maryland starting January 1, 2027.