SB496Introduced in the Senate
Maryland Medical Assistance Program - Coverage for the Treatment of Obesity - Authorization
Introduced by Stephen Hershey, District 36
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
Writing a plain-English summary of this bill… this can take a few seconds the first time.
Official description
Authorizing, beginning January 1, 2027, the Maryland Medical Assistance Program to provide comprehensive coverage for the treatment of obesity; requiring the Maryland Department of Health to provide notice to Program recipients if the Department elects to provide the comprehensive coverage; authorizing the Department to apply to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for a State plan amendment authorizing the State to provide comprehensive coverage for the treatment of obesity; etc.
Where it stands
Enacted under Article II, Section 17(c) of the Maryland Constitution - Chapter 866
May 31, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
House of Delegates votes
1 recorded vote · each counted separately
Senate votes
2 recorded votes · each counted separately
SenateStage: Third Reading Passed · April 9, 2026
42
Yes
0
No
5
Absent or Not Voting
47 senators recorded in this Senate vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
See how each senator voted
| Senator | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Mike McKay | 1 | Yes |
| Paul Corderman | 2 | Yes |
| Karen Lewis Young | 3 | Yes |
| William Folden | 4 | Yes |
| Justin Ready | 5 | Yes |
| Johnny Salling | 6 | Yes |
| J.B. Jennings | 7 | Yes |
| Carl Jackson | 8 | Yes |
| Katie Hester | 9 | Yes |
| Benjamin Brooks | 10 | Yes |
Bill history
First Reading Finance
Hearing 2/17 at 1:00 p.m.
Favorable Report by Finance
Favorable Adopted
Floor Amendment {533126/1 (Senator Lam) Adopted
Second Reading Passed with Amendments
Third Reading Passed (43-0)
Referred Health
Hearing 3/31 at 1:00 p.m.
Favorable with Amendments Report by Health
Favorable with Amendments {993226/1 Adopted
Second Reading Passed with Amendments
Third Reading Passed (109-23)
Senate Concurs House Amendments
Third Reading Passed (42-0)
Passed Enrolled
Enacted under Article II, Section 17(c) of the Maryland Constitution - Chapter 866
Verify the information
- Official page on the Maryland Legislature website
- Floor Amendment 533126/1 (Senator Lam) Adopted (amendment)
- Favorable with Amendments 993226/1 Adopted (amendment)
- Vote - Senate - Committee - Finance (supplement)
- Vote - House - Committee - Health (supplement)
- Introduced (text)
- Engrossed (text)
- Enrolled (text)
- Chaptered (text)
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