Insurance plans will also be required to cover biomarker testing, which helps doctors determine the best course of treatment for patients with Parkinson’s Disease or cancer. The Trans Health Equity Act also takes effect, expanding coverage for gender-affirming care as an essential health benefit.

“That’s a pretty big breakthrough for that community. A lot of these pieces of coverage were already built into the traditional health plans that people would get through a company like BlueCross, United HealthCare, Aetna or Kaiser, the companies that are available in Maryland. Now its referring to coverages in Medicaid,” said Ritcher. 

The coverage can offset costs for medical and mental health services that includes voice modification procedures and other surgeries.

“We’re talking tens of thousands of dollars for the more invasive and major type of surgeries and treatments,” said Ritcher.

https://www.wmar2news.com/news/local-news-in-maryland/new-year-brings-in-new-legislation-for-the-state-of-maryland