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Bill

SB 385

Public Health - Recommendations for Immunizations, Screenings, and Preventive Services - Pharmacist Administration and Required Health Insurance Coverage (The Vax Act)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Malcolm Augustine and 9 co-sponsors

Maryland bill requiring insurers to cover preventive services at no cost and allowing pharmacists to administer vaccines and screenings recommended by federal task force.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 8
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Bill Summary · SB 385

Legislative bill overview

SB 385 would require health insurance plans in Maryland to cover immunizations, screenings, and preventive services recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) at no cost to patients. The bill also expands the scope of practice for pharmacists to administer these vaccines and preventive services without additional physician oversight requirements.

Why is this important

Preventive care coverage removes financial barriers to vaccinations and screenings that reduce disease burden and healthcare costs long-term. Expanding pharmacist authority could increase access to preventive services in underserved areas and reduce administrative burden on primary care physicians, though implementation depends on insurance coverage mandates and workforce readiness.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance cost concerns: Requiring no-cost coverage of preventive services increases insurer expenses, which may be passed to employers or individuals through higher premiums, potentially offsetting savings from disease prevention
  • Pharmacist scope expansion: Some medical professionals may resist broadening pharmacist authority without clear oversight mechanisms; questions remain about liability, training standards, and coordination with physicians
  • USPSTF recommendation scope: The bill ties coverage to USPSTF recommendations, which can be controversial—some services are recommended for all patients while others are age- or risk-specific, creating coverage determination complexity
  • Implementation timeline: Rapid expansion of pharmacist-administered services requires infrastructure, training, and regulatory framework that may not be ready statewide

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

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