MD HB696

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, along with their Medicare-eligible spouses and dependent children

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

Eliminates requirements for the Secretary of Budget and Management to provide written notice of prescription drug benefit changes and for the Department to submit quarterly reports or ensure Medicare-eligible retirees have access to counseling services

Effective date: July 1, 2026