Prohibits Copays for Collaborative Care Services

State Bills: Maryland

Published March 18th, 2026

Detected April 1st, 2026

Summary

The Maryland Senate passed SB0428, prohibiting insurance copayments for Collaborative Care services. The bill affects health insurers offering coverage that includes Collaborative Care model services. This legislation aims to reduce financial barriers to integrated behavioral health services in primary care settings.

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What changed

Maryland Senate Bill 0428 establishes a prohibition on copayments, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing requirements for Collaborative Care services under health insurance policies. Collaborative Care is an integrated care model where primary care providers work with behavioral health care managers and psychiatric consultants to treat mental health and substance use conditions. The bill applies to all insurance policies, contracts, and health benefit plans issued or delivered in Maryland.

Maryland insurers and health maintenance organizations must update their plan documents and provider contracts to remove cost-sharing for Collaborative Care services. Healthcare providers offering Collaborative Care should verify their billing practices align with the new requirements. The bill proceeds to the House of Delegates for further consideration before becoming effective law.

What to do next

Review health insurance plan documents for Collaborative Care cost-sharing provisions
Update billing systems to remove copay requirements for Collaborative Care services
Modify provider contracts to reflect new cost-sharing prohibition

Source document (simplified)

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placeholder To Governor Title Maryland Medical Assistance Program and Health Insurance - Collaborative Care Model - Cost Sharing Prohibition Sponsored by Senator Augustine Status In the House - Favorable with Amendments Report by Health Analysis Fiscal and Policy Note Synopsis Prohibiting the Maryland Department of Health and certain carriers from imposing a copay, coinsurance, or deductible for services provided in accordance with the Collaborative Care Model statewide in primary care settings that provide health care services to Program recipients. Committees Original: Finance Opposite: Health Committee Testimony Witness List Details Cross-filed with: HB0746 Bill File Type: Regular Effective Date(s): July 1, 2026, January 1, 2027 History
| Legislation History |
| --- |
| Chamber Senate Calendar Date 1/30/2026 Legislative Date 1/30/2026 Action First Reading Finance Proceedings |
| Chamber Calendar Date Legislative Date Action Text - First - Maryland Medical Assistance Program and Health Insurance - Collaborative Care Model - Cost Sharing Prohibition Proceedings |
| Chamber Senate Calendar Date 2/04/2026 Legislative Date 2/04/2026 Action Hearing 2/18 at 1:00 p.m. Proceedings |
| Chamber Calendar Date Legislative Date Action Vote - Senate - Committee - Finance Proceedings |
| Chamber Senate Calendar Date 3/09/2026 Legislative Date 3/09/2026 Action Favorable Report by Finance Proceedings |
| Chamber Senate Calendar Date 3/10/2026 Legislative Date 2/25/2026 Action Favorable Adopted Proceedings 36 |
| Chamber Senate Calendar Date 3/10/2026 Legislative Date 2/25/2026 Action Second Reading Passed Proceedings 36 |
| Chamber Calendar Date Legislative Date Action Text - Third - Maryland Medical Assistance Program and Health Insurance - Collaborative Care Model - Cost Sharing Prohibition Proceedings |
| Chamber Senate Calendar Date 3/12/2026 Legislative Date 2/27/2026 Action Third Reading Passed (45-0) Proceedings 38 |
| Chamber House Calendar Date 3/13/2026 Legislative Date 3/01/2026 Action Referred Health Proceedings 38 |
| Chamber House Calendar Date 3/17/2026 Legislative Date 3/17/2026 Action Hearing 3/26 at 1:00 p.m. Proceedings |
| Chamber House Calendar Date 3/25/2026 Legislative Date 3/25/2026 Action Hearing canceled Proceedings |
| Chamber House Calendar Date 3/25/2026 Legislative Date 3/25/2026 Action Hearing 3/26 at 2:00 p.m. Proceedings |
| Chamber Calendar Date Legislative Date Action Vote - House - Committee - Health Proceedings |
| Chamber House Calendar Date 4/01/2026 Legislative Date 4/01/2026 Action Favorable with Amendments Report by Health Proceedings |