MD HB1565

Secretary of Budget and Management must include an obesity treatment and management program in the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, developed in consultation with the Secretary of Health

Required coverage includes FDA-approved chronic weight management medications, metabolic and bariatric surgery, and CDC-approved structured behavioral change sessions for preventing Type 2 diabetes

Insurers, nonprofit health service plans, and health maintenance organizations must provide obesity treatment program coverage to individuals diagnosed with obesity, diabetes, or other obesity-related conditions

Utilization management and prior authorization may be applied but cannot use standards more restrictive than those for other chronic diseases or comparable medical/surgical benefits

Takes effect October 1, 2026, with insurance coverage requirements applying to policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2027