Maryland requires health plans to cover menopause care

Covered licensing boards must grant at least two continuing education credits for each hour of menopause training a licensee or certificate holder completes. This applies to licensees and certificate holders who evaluate and manage menopause and related symptoms within their licensed work. The Health Department must identify at least one training program, consulting professional groups with menopause expertise. Boards may set a maximum number of credits under this rule. The credit rule takes effect October 1, 2026.

Covered health plans must provide coverage for menopause evaluation and management as determined by the treating provider. This applies to insurers, nonprofit health service plans, and health maintenance organizations offering hospital, medical, or surgical benefits under policies or contracts issued or delivered in Maryland. The coverage rule applies to policies, contracts, and health benefit plans issued, delivered, or renewed on or after January 1, 2027.

The State Advisory Council on Health and Wellness adds the Maryland Commission for Women's executive director or designee and a representative with menopause care expertise. The council is Maryland's State Advisory Council on Health and Wellness. Its number of public members falls from 18 to 17. This membership change takes effect July 1, 2026.

State agencies must review menopause care and access, then report findings or recommendations. The Health Care Commission reviews coverage and barriers, including hormone therapy and insurer approval rules. The Commission for Women studies policy options; the Health Department studies community health worker outreach and clinical education. The Health Care Commission must consult the Maryland Department of Health, the Maryland Insurance Administration, and the Maryland Commission for Women. The Health Department must consult community health workers on its access plan, and provider groups and colleges on clinical education. The Health Care Commission must report to legislative committees by December 1, 2026. The Commission for Women and the Health Department must report to the General Assembly by October 1, 2027.