New Health Insurance Laws In Maryland Taking Effect

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Several new laws mandating health insurers cover procedures and instructions for handling certain health conditions are taking effect in Maryland in the new year.

A new law taking effect Tuesday expands coverage for equipment, supplies and self-management training to apply to elevated or impaired glucose levels caused by prediabetes. That's a condition when blood sugar levels are elevated but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. The new mandate also will apply to treating impaired glucose levels induced by pregnancy.

Another new law will require health insurers to cover treatment of a chronic swelling, often in an arm or leg, known as lymphedema. That's an abnormal collection of fluid just beneath the skin. It usually develops when lymph vessels are damaged, or lymph nodes are removed.

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