MD HB158

Establishes a Maternal Health Monitoring Pilot Program within the Maryland Department of Health to provide remote patient monitoring for pregnant and postpartum Medicaid recipients diagnosed with maternal hypertension or maternal diabetes

Requires the Department to select at least one managed care organization to administer the program, paying $2,000 per participant with a total cap of $600,000; the Governor must include a $600,000 appropriation in the FY 2028 budget

Remote monitoring covers the second and third trimesters plus up to 3 months postpartum, tracking blood pressure, weight, blood glucose levels, and other health data through FDA-authorized devices transmitted via cellular networks

Technology vendors must employ clinical teams including a licensed nurse, dietitian-nutritionist, and certified diabetes care specialist to monitor health data, establish escalation pathways for concerning readings, and provide health coaching

Program operates during fiscal years 2027 and 2028, with a report due by October 1, 2028 evaluating impacts on Medicaid costs, maternal outcomes (mortality, morbidity, caesarean rates), and neonatal outcomes (NICU admissions, preterm births, birthweight); the Act sunsets on June 30, 2029