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Bill

SB 608

Maryland Medical Assistance Plan and Health Insurance - Pharmacogenomic Testing - Required Coverage

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Johnny Mautz

Maryland bill mandates health insurance and Medicaid coverage of pharmacogenomic genetic testing to optimize medication selection and reduce adverse drug reactions.

Hearing 4/02 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · SB 608

Legislative bill overview

SB 608 requires Maryland's Medical Assistance Plan (Medicaid) and health insurance plans to cover pharmacogenomic testing—genetic tests that determine how individuals metabolize medications. The bill mandates coverage for these tests when ordered by a healthcare provider to optimize medication selection and dosing for better treatment outcomes.

Why is this important

Pharmacogenomic testing can significantly reduce adverse drug reactions, improve medication efficacy, and potentially lower overall healthcare costs by preventing hospitalizations from drug interactions or ineffective treatments. Currently, coverage varies widely across insurance plans, creating disparities in access to this precision medicine tool that could benefit patients with complex medication regimens.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and budget impact: Mandated coverage increases insurance premiums and state Medicaid spending, though supporters argue long-term savings from fewer hospitalizations offset this
  • Clinical necessity criteria: Debate over which patients should qualify for testing—broad coverage versus limiting to specific conditions or medication classes
  • Evidence standards: Questions about the strength of evidence supporting pharmacogenomic testing's clinical utility across different drug-gene interactions and medical conditions

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

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