Maryland bill would require insurers, Medicaid to cover reconstructive care for domestic violence survivors

Delegate Ashanti Martinez, sponsor of House Bill 381, told the House Health and Government Operations Committee the bill would require the Maryland Medical Assistance Program and private insurers to cover aesthetic services and restorative care for victims of domestic violence.

The measure, called the Healing Our Scars Act, aims to ensure survivors who present with scars, dental injuries or other trauma-related injuries can receive “medically necessary” reconstructive treatment without bearing the full cost out of pocket.

Supporters said the coverage change would bring Maryland in line with other states and existing philanthropic programs. Councilmember Crystal Oriana of Prince George’s County testified as a survivor and described a decade-long delay…