May 05, 2015
On April 14, 2015, Gov. Hogan signed SB 241 into law, creating Chapter 23. The new law applies to insurers and relates to coverage for ostomy equipment and supplies. Specifically, the law applies to insurers that provide hospital, medical or surgical benefits to individuals or groups under health insurance policies issued or delivered in Maryland (although there is an exception for policies that provide essential health benefits under PPACA). The law requires coverage of all medically appropriate and necessary equipment and supplies used for the treatment of ostomies including flanges, collection bags, clamps, irrigation devices, sanitizing products, ostomy rings, ostomy belts and catheters used for drainage of urostomies. The coverage must be on the same basis as other similar benefits, meaning cost-sharing (if any) cannot be greater than for ostomy-related equipment and services. The new law is effective for plans and policies issued, delivered or renewed on or after Oct. 1, 2015.
Chapter 23 »