Maryland health plans must cover menopause care starting in 2027

The State Advisory Council on Health and Wellness adds two members with menopause-related roles and has one fewer public member. These changes apply to the council’s membership.

Health occupations boards must grant at least two continuing education credits for each hour of qualifying menopause education. The rule applies to licensees and certificate holders whose boards require continuing education for license or certificate renewal. This applies only to licensees and certificate holders who evaluate and manage menopause or related symptoms within their professional scope. The Department must identify at least one training program in consultation with professional associations with relevant expertise. Boards may set a maximum number of credits by regulation. The credit rule takes effect July 1, 2026.

Covered health plans must cover evaluation and management of menopause and related symptoms, as determined by the treating provider. It covers applicable individual and group policies, contracts, and health benefit plans issued, delivered, or renewed in Maryland. The requirement applies to specified insurers and nonprofit health service plans offering hospital, medical, or surgical benefits on an expense-paid basis, and to health maintenance organizations providing those benefits under Maryland policies or contracts. The coverage rule takes effect January 1, 2027, and applies to policies, contracts, and health benefit plans issued, delivered, or renewed on or after that date.

The Maryland Commission for Women and the Department of Health must study menopause-related policy and access options and report to the General Assembly. The commission studies state policy options for people with perimenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal conditions. The department studies community health worker outreach and clinical education opportunities. The Department of Health must consult the State Community Health Worker Advisory Committee on its access plan, and consult provider associations and higher education institutions on clinical education. Both reports are due by October 1, 2027.