Today marks 245 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. We are privileged as nation to enjoy the freedom provided by this document conceived so long ago. Our team at Angelos Legal Group wishes you and your family and friends a safe and healthy holiday weekend.
Please note three new laws, detailed below, that recently passed during the 2021 Maryland General Assembly session and impact your healthcare delivery, costs, and finances:
1. The Preserve Telehealth Access Act, effective July 1, 2021, requires non-Medicare health insurance carriers to cover telehealth services. Non-Medicare, as well as Medicaid insurance providers must also reimburse for telehealth services at the same rate as in-person services.
2. Beginning October 1, 2021, the age of consent to medical treatment will be lowered in some cases, from 16 to 12 years old. With the exception of mental health care, providers will have discretion to determine that a minor under 16 years old is capable of consenting to medical treatment.
3. Starting in January 2022, income-based repayment plans will be available to all patients with medical debt. Liens and arrests for medical debt will be prohibited. Healthcare providers will also be required to refund patients within 240 days for any billing error.
Stay safe and, as always, please call me if you have any legal needs.
-John