MarylandMaryland requires extra yearly funding for long-term care resident advocates
Maryland’s governor must budget at least $2 million extra annually for the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, using specified health plan payments and general state money if needed.
What it does
Starting in fiscal year 2027, the governor must budget at least $2 million extra annually for long-term care resident advocates. Specified health plan payments fund it, with general state money covering any shortfall.
Argument forRequired extra funding could help the office investigate residents’ complaints without replacing money already budgeted for that work.
Argument againstIf health plan payments fall short, covering the gap could leave less general state money available for other public services.
More detail
The governor must include at least $2 million annually in the budget bill for the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman. The office investigates long-term care residents’ complaints and helps protect their rights. Funding uses specified payments from managed care organizations, which are health plans, from two fiscal years earlier. If those payments total less than $2 million, the governor must include general state money equal to the shortfall. This money must add to funding otherwise budgeted for the office and cannot replace it. The budget requirement applies in fiscal year 2027 and every fiscal year thereafter. The law took effect July 1, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- May 26Approved by the Governor Wes Moore - Chapter 761Became Law
- Apr 13Returned Passed
- Apr 13Third Reading PassedPassed House
- Apr 9Favorable Adopted Second Reading PassedMinor
- Apr 9Favorable Report by AppropriationsMinor
- Apr 7Hearing 4/07 at 1:30 p.m.
- Apr 7Hearing canceled
- Apr 7Hearing 4/07 at 1:15 p.m.
- Apr 7Hearing canceled
- Apr 1
- Vote recorded On Third Reading. Result: pass.Lower
- Mar 26Hearing 4/07 at 1:00 p.m.
- Mar 24Referred AppropriationsMinor
- Mar 23Third Reading PassedPassed Senate
- Mar 23Second Reading Passed with Amendments
- Mar 23Favorable with Amendments {Minor
- Mar 23Favorable with Amendments Report by FinanceMinor
- Mar 7
- Vote recorded On Third Reading. Result: pass.Upper
- Jan 27Hearing 2/10 at 1:00 p.m.
- Jan 23First Reading FinanceIntroduced
HealthcareTaxes & Budget