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HB 1251

Health Facilities and Health Insurance - Palliative Care - Required Access and Coverage (Edna G. Neal Palliative Care Act)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tiffany Alston and 3 co-sponsors

Maryland mandates health insurance coverage and health facility access to palliative care services statewide, expanding pain and suffering relief options for seriously ill patients.

Hearing 3/13 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 1251

Legislative bill overview

HB 1251 requires Maryland health facilities and insurance plans to provide access to and coverage for palliative care services. The bill, named after Edna G. Neal, establishes standards for palliative care availability across the state's healthcare system regardless of diagnosis or prognosis.

Why is this important

Palliative care—which focuses on relieving suffering and improving quality of life rather than curative treatment—remains underutilized and often inaccessible to patients who need it. Many insurers don't adequately cover these services, and not all facilities offer them, leaving patients and families without critical support options during serious illness. Mandating coverage and access could expand this care to underserved populations.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and Insurance Premiums: Requiring mandatory coverage of palliative care services may increase healthcare costs and insurance premiums, raising questions about economic burden on consumers and employers
  • Provider Burden: Health facilities may face challenges staffing and implementing palliative care programs, particularly in rural or underserved areas with limited specialist availability
  • Scope and Standards Ambiguity: The bill's specific requirements for "access" and "coverage" may need clearer definition to prevent inconsistent implementation across different insurers and facility types

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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