September 2025

Dear Friends,

It seems impossible that the summer is gone already; I sincerely hope that you and your family made some good memories during the sunny days.

September marks that point at which we in the Maryland House of Delegates begin to think about the next legislative session. This year is a bit unique in that we find ourselves needing to respond to dramatic and impactful changes at the federal level that directly affect all of us. The timing of this message is driven by the discussion about vaccines, immunizations and mandates that is occurring. We have also included information related to health care, which you may find useful.

Vaccines and Immunizations:

In the 2025 session the Maryland General Assembly passed a law to assure that residents would be able to access the preventive vaccines and immunizations, without a prescription or co-pay. That law went into effect on July 1, 2025. For those who have private insurance or Medicaid insurance there should be no changes in availability or coverage.

For those in self-insured plans, including many business and public entities, please contact your plan administrator and ask them to follow the state guidelines. These plans are not regulated by the state, so the administrator must make the decision.

Relative to the COVID-19 booster, prescriptions are not required, however most pharmacies are required by federal law to follow FDA protocols. They may ask you to attest that you have a condition or situation which may make you more vulnerable to the virus. They will present you with a comprehensive list of conditions but also allow you to identify any situation that puts you at risk. You DO NOT need to identify a specific condition, and no documentation will be required.

The Maryland Insurance Administration is available to answer questions or help to resolve concerns and complaints at 410-468-2244 or 1-800-492-6116, Extension 2244.

You can also file a complaint directly through our online complaints portal at https://insurance.maryland.gov/Consumer/Pages/FileAComplaint.aspx.

Read the Maryland Insurance Administration’s full statement on vaccination coverage: https://insurance.maryland.gov/Pages/newscenter/NewsDetails.aspx?NR=2025379.

There is additional information from the Maryland Department of Health at their website, https://health.maryland.gov/.

Insurance Coverage for Preventive Services

Some of the changes at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services lay the potential for eliminating some of the no-cost coverage for preventive services, such as annual exams. In the 2025 session, HB 974 was passed to assure that the requirements under the Affordable Care Act that were in place in 2024 would continue to be required in Maryland, regardless of the recommendations of DHHS. This means that any insurance carrier would continue to cover preventive services at no cost to the consumer and would be prohibited from discrimination based on pre-existing conditions and from imposing lifetime maximums.

If you encounter any changes in your coverage related to these requirements, please contact the MIA at the number above.

Note to my friends on Medicare

I had a personal experience this summer that reminded me to be diligent in oversight of the laws. In 2013, I passed HB 1062, which was signed into law in May of that year. This law requires that hospitals provide oral and written information of a patient’s status as “observation” or “admitted” within the first 23 hours in the facility. Medicare will cover rehabilitation services or acute nursing care upon discharge for individuals who have been “admitted” and spent at least three nights in the hospital; it will not cover those who are on “observation status” regardless of how many days or nights they are there. It was because I knew this law that I was able to secure rehab for my wife after being in the hospital for three days, but we were not told that she was there only for “observation.” I became concerned that others might not know of this law and be liable for the cost of follow up services unnecessarily. Please share this information with others who might find it useful.

At-home rapid tests can be purchased at pharmacies and retail outlets. Your health insurance may cover the cost of COVID-19 tests or at-home test kits. This includes Medicaid and Medicare. For details, check with local pharmacies and retailers, your health care provider, or your insurance.

COVID Test Coverage

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under the Trump administration formally ended the broader government-funded COVID-19 testing program this past June, so the dederal government is no longer providing free tests. However, at-home rapid tests can be purchased at pharmacies and retail outlets, and your health insurance may cover the cost of COVID-19 tests or at-home test kits. This includes Medicaid and Medicare. For details, check with local pharmacies and retailers, your health care provider, or your insurance.

CDC Recommended Immunizations as of April 2025

It is likely that some vaccination recommendations will change as the newly constituted CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) begins to meet this week. Many of the new members of this committee have publicly spoken against long-standing vaccination practices. Anticipating this, Governor Moore signed into law that all historically proven effective practices will continue in Maryland. I encourage you to get your covid booster and flu shots and follow all previously recommended vaccinations.

I encourage you to get your covid booster and flu shots and any other CDC recommended vaccinations.

CDC Recommended Immunizations as of April 2025:

FREE Back to School Vaccinations

The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is offering free vaccinations for school-aged children (pre-K through high school) at locations throughout the County until the end of September. Free vaccines are available to Montgomery County school-aged children who are missing any required immunizations. Read the press release.

Resources

Finding something beautiful

Lots of things have us worried these days, but Brookside Gardens – Montgomery Parks offers a little respite. There we can find a little natural beauty and moments of reflection to figure out how we can navigate the uncertainty. I was grateful to receive these photos from my friend, Pam DeFosse, who recommended I take a break from the chaos. It was a great recommendation.

And it’s not too late to check out the Butterfly Exhibit! Butterflies from North America, Costa Rica, Africa and Asia await visitors at the Conservatory at Brookside Gardens (by the 1500 Glenallen Avenue entrance). The exhibit closes Sunday, September 21st.

https://brooksidegardens.ticketsauce.com/e/butterfly