Bill > HB1365

This bill aims to improve access to care and education regarding menopause and its associated symptoms by making several changes. It modifies the membership of the State Advisory Council on Health and Wellness to include the Executive Director of the Maryland Commission for Women. For healthcare professionals, it requires health occupations boards to grant at least two hours of continuing education credit for every one hour of training on menopause and its symptoms, and the Department of Health will identify approved training programs. Insurers, nonprofit health service plans, and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) will be required to cover the evaluation and management of menopause and related conditions as determined by the treating healthcare provider, with this provision taking effect on January 1, 2027. Additionally, the Maryland Commission for Women will evaluate policy initiatives to improve the health and economic security of individuals experiencing menopausal conditions and report its findings, while the Maryland Department of Health will develop an action plan to increase access to these services through community health workers and evaluate methods for increasing clinical education opportunities in this area, with both departments reporting to the General Assembly by October 1, 2027.