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HB 1376

Maryland Medical Assistance Program, Maryland Children's Health Program, and Health Insurance - Transfers to Special Pediatric Hospitals - Requirements

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tiffany Alston and 15 co-sponsors

HB 1376 establishes new procedural requirements for transferring Medicaid-eligible children to specialized pediatric hospitals, potentially expanding access but creating implementation and capacity questions.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 325
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Bill Summary · HB 1376

Legislative bill overview

HB 1376 modifies Maryland's Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid) and Maryland Children's Health Program to establish new requirements for transferring patients to specialized pediatric hospitals. The bill creates procedural and potentially financial mechanisms governing how eligible children are transferred to facilities with pediatric specialty care capabilities.

Why is this important

Pediatric hospital transfers directly affect healthcare access for vulnerable children on state insurance programs. The bill could impact patient outcomes, hospital operations, and state Medicaid costs, while addressing gaps in how children with complex medical needs are routed to appropriate specialty facilities.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Unclear whether new transfer requirements increase state spending on Medicaid/MCHP or redirect existing resources, potentially affecting program budgets
  • Hospital capacity and equity: Specialty pediatric hospitals have limited beds; mandatory transfer requirements may create access bottlenecks or disproportionately affect rural/underserved areas
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill's specific criteria for "special pediatric hospitals" and which conditions trigger transfers are not detailed in this summary, which could lead to inconsistent implementation

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

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