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SB 974

Did not advanceCrossfile HB 1013
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Maryland Medical Assistance Program and Health Insurance - Nonopioid Drugs for the Treatment of Pain

Sponsor: Clarence K. Lam (District 12)Committee: FinanceSubject: Health - InsuranceStatus: Hearing 2/26 at 1:00 p.m. (as of Dec 1, 2025)

What this bill does

Official synopsis

Prohibiting the Maryland Medical Assistance Program and certain insurers, nonprofit health service plans, health maintenance organizations, and managed care organizations from applying a prior authorization requirement, step therapy protocol, or fail-first protocol for a nonopioid drug used for the treatment of pain that is more restrictive than any prior authorization requirement, step therapy protocol, or fail-first protocol applied to an opioid or narcotic drug used for the treatment of pain; etc.

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Analysis reads the bill text, the fiscal note, and the witness list. It is generated by Claude and reviewed by nobody, so check the source documents before you rely on it.

Testimony (0)

MGA witness list
FAV 8FavorableUNF 2UnfavorableINFO 1Information only
PositionWitnessOrganizationTestimony
FAVClark, AshleylobbyistHarris Jones & Malone, LLCWritten (PDF)
FAVNavabi, JenniferlobbyistMaryland Academy of Physician AssistantsWritten (PDF)
FAVStephenson, AmandaMaryland Rural Health AssociationWritten (PDF)
FAVRosier, CollanlobbyistPyramid Healthcare, Inc.Position only
FAVFox, ChrisVoices for Non-Opioid ChoicesOral
FAVElliott, RobynlobbyistIndividualWritten (PDF)
FAVMauer, WilliamIndividualPosition only
FAVSenator Lam, Senator LamlegislatorIndividualOral
UNFJohansen, MichaellobbyistRWLOral
UNFCelentano, MatthewlobbyistThe League of Life and Health Insurers of MarylandWritten (PDF)
INFOLynch, MeghanMaryland Department of HealthWritten (PDF)

Organizations on record

Registered lobbyists who testified

FAVClark, AshleyHarris Jones & Malone, LLCRegistered for: Beltway Fine Wine; Chesapeake Employers' Insurance Company; Community Associations Institute/Maryland Legislative Action Committee; Employ Prince George's, Inc.; Frederick Community College; Greater Baltimore Committee
FAVNavabi, JenniferMaryland Academy of Physician AssistantsRegistered for: B'More Clubhouse; Chase Brexton Health System; Children's Advocacy Institute; Coordinating Center, The; Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition; Gaudenzia, Inc.
FAVRosier, CollanPyramid Healthcare, Inc.Registered for: Pyramid Healthcare, Inc.
FAVElliott, RobynRegistered for: American Association for Marriage and Family Therapists; Amica Center for Immigrant Rights; CareForth; Chase Brexton Health System; Coordinating Center, The; Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition
UNFJohansen, MichaelRWLRegistered for: 1/ST Racing MD LLC; ASC Engineered Solutions; Access Holdings Management Company, LLC; Alterwood Health, Inc.; Ashley, Inc.; Baltimore Streetcar Museum
UNFCelentano, MatthewThe League of Life and Health Insurers of MarylandRegistered for: 38 Degrees North; Advanced Energy United; Alliance of Maryland Dental Plans; Allstate Insurance Company; America's Health Insurance Plans; American Council of Life Insurers