Maryland legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Maryland SB496: Maryland Medical Assistance Program - Coverage for the Treatment of Obesity - Authorization
Status: Signed into law, May 31, 2026
Authorizing, beginning January 1, 2027, the Maryland Medical Assistance Program to provide comprehensive coverage for the treatment of obesity; requiring the Maryland Department of Health to provide notice to Program recipients if the Department elects to provide the comprehensive coverage; authorizing the Department to apply to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for a State plan amendment authorizing the State to provide comprehensive coverage for the treatment of obesity; etc.
What the bill says
An act concerning Maryland Medical Assistance Program - Coverage for the Treatment of Obesity - Authorization FOR the purpose of authorizing, beginning on a certain date, the Maryland Medical Assistance Program to provide comprehensive coverage for the treatment of obesity; requiring the Maryland Department of Health to provide notice to Program recipients if the Department elects to provide the coverage…
From the enrolled text, June 3, 2026:
AN ACT concerning Maryland Medical Assistance Program - Coverage for the Treatment of Obesity - Authorization FOR the purpose of authorizing, beginning on a certain date, the Maryland Medical Assistance Program to provide comprehensive coverage for the treatment of obesity; requiring the Maryland Department of Health to provide notice to Program recipients if the Department elects to provide the coverage; authorizing the Maryland Department of Health to apply to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for a State plan amendment authorizing the State to provide comprehensive coverage for the treatment of obesity; and generally relating to the Maryland Medical Assistance Program and coverage for the treatment of obesity. BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, Article - Health - General Section 15-103(a)(1) Annotated Code of Maryland (2023 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, Article - Health - General Section 15-103(a)(2)(xxvii) and (xxviii) Annotated Code of Maryland (2023 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) BY adding to Article - Health - General Section 15-103(a)(2)(xxix) and 15-160 Annotated Code of Maryland (2023 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: Article - Health - General 15-103. (a) (1) The Secretary shall administer the Maryland Medical Assistance Program. (2) The Program: Ch. 866 …
Sponsors
- Stephen Hershey (R, SD-036) · primary sponsor
- Clarence Lam (D, SD-012)
Latest actions
- : Enacted under Article II, Section 17(c) of the Maryland Constitution - Chapter 866
- : Passed Enrolled
- : Third Reading Passed (42-0)
- : Senate Concurs House Amendments
- : Third Reading Passed (109-23)
- : Second Reading Passed with Amendments
- : Favorable with Amendments {993226/1 Adopted
- : Favorable with Amendments Report by Health
- : Hearing 3/31 at 1:00 p.m.
- : Referred Health
Votes
- Third Reading Passed (42-0) (April 9, 2026): 42 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Third Reading Passed (109-23) (April 8, 2026): 109 yea, 23 nay, passed
- Third Reading Passed (43-0) (March 23, 2026): 43 yea, 0 nay, passed
Common questions
- What is SB496?
- SB496 is a bill in the Maryland Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Maryland Medical Assistance Program - Coverage for the Treatment of Obesity - Authorization.
- What does SB496 do?
- In its own words: An act concerning Maryland Medical Assistance Program - Coverage for the Treatment of Obesity - Authorization FOR the purpose of authorizing, beginning on a certain date, the Maryland Medical Assistance Program to provide comprehensive coverage for the treatment of obesity; requiring the Maryland Department of Health to provide notice to Program recipients if the Department elects to provide the coverage…
- What is the status of SB496?
- Signed into law as of May 31, 2026. Latest action: Enacted under Article II, Section 17(c) of the Maryland Constitution - Chapter 866 (May 31, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB496?
- Stephen Hershey (R, SD-036), with 1 co-sponsor.
- Where is the official record for SB496?
- On the Maryland Legislature website: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/sb0496?ys=2026RS
Source: official Maryland record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.