Maryland House Bill HB1538

Maryland 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/25/25
• Refer: 2/25/25
• Refer: 3/3/25

Caption

Maryland Medical Assistance Program - Maternal Health Monitoring Pilot Program

Impact

The bill stipulates that eligible participants in the pilot program must be pregnant, enrolled in the managed care organization, and diagnosed with maternal hypertension or diabetes. The program intends to use remote patient monitoring technology to collect and transmit pertinent health data, including blood pressure and glucose levels. Furthermore, it includes a financial component whereby the state allocates $600,000 over the life of the pilot to incentivize managed care organizations for their administration of the program. Overall, this program may prompt broader systemic changes in how maternal healthcare is delivered through technology integration.

Summary

House Bill 1538 establishes the Maternal Health Monitoring Pilot Program within the Maryland Department of Health. This initiative aims to provide support primarily to pregnant and postpartum participants of the Maryland Medical Assistance Program who face heightened risks of complications due to maternal hypertension or diabetes. By leveraging technology, the pilot program seeks to address critical health monitoring needs during pregnancy, especially for those already diagnosed with these conditions. Overall, the program's objective centers on improving maternal health outcomes and reducing adverse conditions associated with these risks.

Contention

While the bill aims to enhance maternal health monitoring, it also brings forth potential concerns regarding privacy and the role of technology in healthcare. Stakeholders may debate the efficacy of remote monitoring, potential over-reliance on technology, and how such programs could affect overall healthcare costs. Additionally, the bill's implementation may raise questions about equity in access to healthcare resources, particularly relating to how effectively it can serve diverse populations within the maternal health landscape.