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SB 794

Health Insurance - Special Enrollment Period for Pregnancy - Coverage Effective Date

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dawn Gile and 1 co-sponsor

Bill creates special enrollment period for pregnant Marylanders with immediate insurance coverage effective dates to eliminate gaps in prenatal care access.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 787
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 794

Legislative bill overview

SB 794 creates a special enrollment period for pregnant individuals in Maryland's health insurance marketplace, allowing them to enroll outside standard open enrollment periods. The bill specifies that coverage becomes effective upon enrollment rather than waiting until the first of the following month, potentially accelerating when pregnant individuals gain insurance protection.

Why is this important

Pregnancy-related medical care carries significant costs and time-sensitive health needs. Delays in obtaining coverage can result in uninsured medical visits, prenatal care gaps, or financial hardship. Expedited coverage effective dates ensure pregnant individuals can access care immediately when they enroll, rather than experiencing coverage gaps during critical gestational periods.

Potential points of contention

  • Administrative costs and implementation: Health insurers may face operational challenges implementing same-day or immediate coverage effective dates, potentially increasing administrative burden and costs passed to consumers or the state
  • Risk selection concerns: Allowing immediate coverage specifically for pregnancy could create adverse selection dynamics, as insurers may need to adjust rates or coverage terms to offset costs of enrolling individuals with known, expensive health conditions
  • Equity in special enrollment: Questions about whether other urgent health conditions warrant similar immediate enrollment provisions, or whether pregnancy-specific treatment sets precedent for expanded special enrollment periods

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

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