Starting January 1, 2025, Maryland will implement several new health and wellness laws aimed at improving access to care, reducing financial barriers, and supporting healthier communities statewide. The New Maryland Law will bring critical changes.
Expanding Hearing Aid Coverage for Adults
Maryland is addressing a long-standing gap in healthcare coverage: the affordability of hearing aids for adults. While insurance coverage for children’s hearing aids has been required by law, adults have been left without similar support, forcing many to delay or forego treatment due to high out-of-pocket costs. Under the New Maryland Law, this will change.
Hearing loss isn’t just an inconvenience; it can lead to social isolation, cognitive decline, and reduced quality of life. However, the financial burden of hearing aids—ranging from $1,000 to $6,000 per device—has often been a major financial hurdle.
Insurance providers must now cover medically necessary hearing aids for adults. The new law sets a minimum benefit of $1,400 per hearing aid per ear, with coverage available every 36 months. Patients can choose higher-priced devices and pay the difference, ensuring greater flexibility and access to advanced technology.
By addressing this gap in coverage, the law not only reduces the financial burden but also encourages individuals to take charge of their hearing health. It’s a significant step toward reducing the stigma around hearing loss and increasing access to necessary care.
Residents are urged to review their insurance policies and consult with providers to understand changes brought by the New Maryland Law.
Standardizing Emergency Care & Support for Opioid Recovery
Maryland continues to confront the devastating opioid crisis, which has led to numerous overdoses and strained emergency healthcare services. One critical issue has been the lack of standardized protocols in hospitals for treating patients experiencing opioid-related emergencies. This gap has often resulted in inconsistent care and missed opportunities to initiate long-term treatment. The New Maryland Law aims to resolve these issues.
To address these challenges, Senate Bill 1071 mandates that hospitals implement specific protocols and capacities for treating patients with opioid-related overdoses or emergencies.
Key provisions include:
Standardized Treatment Protocols: Hospitals must adopt consistent procedures to ensure timely and appropriate care for opioid-related emergencies.
Referral Systems: Patients diagnosed with opioid use disorder or treated with medication for their condition must be referred to community providers for voluntary continuation of treatment.
Peer Support Integration: Hospitals are required to collaborate with peer support professionals to assist patients, increasing the likelihood of successful recovery.
By enforcing these measures, the law aims to improve immediate care for overdose patients, establish a seamless transition to ongoing support, and reduce the burden on emergency services. This comprehensive approach is designed to address both the acute and chronic aspects of opioid use disorder, promoting sustained recovery within the community.
Ensuring Coverage for Orthoses & Prostheses
Access to essential mobility devices has long been a challenge for individuals who rely on orthoses and prostheses. Many Marylanders, particularly those on Medicaid, have faced significant financial barriers, often preventing them from obtaining or replacing these critical devices. High costs, combined with restrictive insurance policies, have left many struggling to maintain their mobility and independence. The New Maryland Law will help alleviate these issues.
To address these inequities, the state has enacted the “So Every Body Can Move Act,” also known as House Bill 865. This law mandates that Medicaid provide comprehensive coverage for orthoses and prostheses, including replacements. It ensures that individuals requiring these devices can access medically necessary care without financial constraints.
Additionally, the law prohibits insurers from charging higher copayments for orthoses and prostheses than for other medical benefits. This eliminates discriminatory cost structures, making these life-enhancing devices more accessible to all.
For many, having access to proper mobility aids means fewer hospital visits, reduced pain, and a higher quality of life, which ultimately alleviates the burden on the healthcare system. Without proper access to these devices, individuals often face increased reliance on caregivers, greater healthcare needs, and a reduced ability to participate in daily activities.
By reducing financial burdens and expanding coverage, this new legislation empowers individuals with mobility challenges to lead more active, independent lives. The New Maryland Law is a significant step forward.
