MD HB1268

Requires health insurers, nonprofit health service plans, and HMOs to cover the full length of long-term antibiotic treatment (exceeding 4 weeks) for Lyme disease and related tick-borne illnesses when ordered by a licensed physician for therapeutic purposes

Prohibits insurers from imposing quantitative limitations on long-term antibiotic treatment or denying coverage solely because the treatment is categorized as unproven, experimental, or investigational

Defines "Lyme disease" broadly to include clinical diagnoses that may not meet CDC surveillance criteria, as well as late-stage, persistent, or chronic infections with Borrelia burgdorferi

Covers related tick-borne illnesses including bartonellosis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and piroplasmosis

Takes effect January 1, 2026, applying to all policies, contracts, and health benefit plans issued, delivered, or renewed on or after that date