MD HB356

Retirees who began State service before July 1, 2011 would remain eligible for prescription drug benefits through the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program

Prescription drug benefits would be discontinued for Medicare-eligible retirees who began State service on or after July 1, 2011, including their Medicare-eligible spouses and dependent children (effective January 1, 2019 under existing law)

Repeals three existing retiree prescription drug assistance programs: the Maryland State Retiree Prescription Drug Coverage Program, the Catastrophic Prescription Drug Assistance Program, and the Life-Sustaining Prescription Drug Assistance Program

Eliminates requirements for the Department of Budget and Management to provide notice to affected retirees, submit implementation reports, and ensure Medicare-eligible retirees have access to counseling services

Takes effect July 1, 2025