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HB 1094

Health Insurance - Graduate-Level Clinical Interns - Required Reimbursement

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Adams and 18 co-sponsors

Maryland requires health insurers to reimburse graduate clinical interns at licensed practitioner rates, expanding mental health access and intern compensation during training.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 44
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Bill Summary · HB 1094

Legislative bill overview

HB 1094 requires health insurance plans in Maryland to reimburse services provided by graduate-level clinical interns (such as those in psychology, social work, counseling, and related fields) at the same rates as licensed practitioners. The bill aims to expand access to mental health and clinical services by ensuring these trained interns can be compensated through insurance, reducing out-of-pocket costs for patients.

Why is this important

Graduate clinical interns provide significant mental health services under supervision but often cannot bill insurance directly, limiting their utility in clinical settings and creating financial barriers for patients. This bill could expand affordable access to mental health care—a critical need in many underserved areas—while creating reimbursement pathways for interns during their required supervised training hours.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance cost concerns: Requiring equal reimbursement rates for interns and licensed practitioners may increase insurance premiums if not offset by demonstrable cost savings or equal clinical outcomes
  • Supervision and liability questions: Unclear standards for what level of supervision is required and whether insurers will bear liability for intern-provided care, potentially affecting malpractice insurance costs
  • Definition and scope ambiguity: The bill may need clarification on which graduate programs qualify, what clinical credentials are required, and whether all service types (not just therapy) are covered

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

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