MD SB496

Beginning January 1, 2027, the Maryland Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid) may provide comprehensive coverage for obesity treatment, including intensive behavioral therapy, bariatric surgery, and FDA-approved chronic weight management medications.

Coverage is permissive, not mandatory—the Department of Health has discretion on whether to implement it.

The Program may apply utilization management to determine medical necessity, but must use the same standards applied to other covered illnesses and conditions.

If the Department elects to provide obesity treatment coverage, it must notify Program recipients.

The Department must report to legislative committees by November 1, 2027, on whether coverage has been implemented and, if not, explain why.