Maryland requires perinatal mental health screenings under new law

By AI, Created 9:51 PM UTC, May 29, 2026, /AGP/ – Maryland has enacted HB 1118, a law that will require insurers and Medicaid to cover standardized perinatal behavioral health screenings during pregnancy and the first year after birth. The measure is aimed at catching maternal mental health conditions earlier and connecting families to follow-up care.

Why it matters: - Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders affect an estimated 1 in 5 mothers. - HB 1118 is designed to make screening more consistent during pregnancy, postpartum care and well-child visits. - The law also aims to turn a positive screen into a referral pathway, not just a diagnosis.

What happened: - Governor Wes Moore signed HB 1118, the Health, Health Insurance, and Health Occupations: Perinatal Behavioral Health Conditions Act, into law this week. - The legislation was sponsored by Delegate Jennifer White Holland. - Maryland insurers and the Maryland Medical Assistance Program will be required to cover standardized screenings for perinatal behavioral health conditions. - The screenings apply during pregnancy and through the first year of a child’s life. - The Maryland Department of Health must identify evidence-based screening tools and connect mothers to referral resources after a positive screen. - Screening requirements begin July 1, 2026. - Insurance coverage provisions begin in January 2027.

The details: - The law covers screenings at prenatal, postpartum and well-child visits throughout the first year after birth. - The measure is intended to create more regular touchpoints for identifying mothers who may need help. - Postpartum Support International Maryland Chapter, Andrea’s Wish Foundation, Maryland Families for Safe Birth, Azalea Mental Health and Center for the American Family backed the effort. - Delegate Jennifer White Holland said she pushed the bill after testimony tied to a maternal suicide, statewide data and her own postpartum experience. - Holland said she brought together advocates, perinatal mental health providers, insurers, health officers, hospitals, state agencies, doulas, nurses, providers, midwives and nonprofit organizations to advance the bill.

Between the lines: - The law moves Maryland from screening as an optional or uneven practice toward a standardized coverage requirement. - The referral mandate matters as much as the screening requirement, since advocates say many mothers are screened but not connected to follow-up care. - The coalition behind the bill reflects a broader shift in maternal health policy, with clinicians, insurers and advocates aligned around early intervention. - Lauren Thompson of the PSI Maryland Chapter said parents often fall through the cracks when they are most vulnerable, and that the law can connect more Marylanders to lifesaving care. - Mary Frances LaHood of Azalea Mental Health said the law changes the infrastructure around screening and gives providers a clearer roadmap and funding. - Kyra Vocci of Andrea’s Wish Foundation said the bill is meant to reduce stigma and help prevent families from facing the same tragedy hers did.

What’s next: - Maryland agencies will now determine the screening tools and referral process. - Insurers and Medicaid will need to prepare for the January 2027 coverage deadline. - Advocates say the law is a critical step, but not the final one, in strengthening perinatal mental health care. - For the full bill text, visit the Maryland General Assembly bill page. - If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988.

The bottom line: - Maryland is turning perinatal mental health screening into a covered standard of care, with the goal of finding more mothers earlier and getting them help faster.