MedicaidCoverageMedium impact
Maryland Medicaid to cover cell and gene therapy for sickle cell disease
UnitedHealthcare·MD · Hematology, Oncology, Internal Medicine +2 more·State news
Effective date
Jan 1, 2026
We identified it
Feb 1, 2026
Summary
Effective January 1, 2026, Maryland Medicaid now covers FDA-approved cell and gene therapies (Casgevy and Lyfgenia) for sickle cell disease through the Cell and Gene Therapy Access Model. Coverage includes evaluation, apheresis, infusion, recovery and long-term follow-up services at authorized treatment centers.
Action Required
Immediately: Billing team should identify Maryland Medicaid patients with sickle cell disease and verify treatment center authorization status. Providers should discuss new cell and gene therapy coverage options with eligible patients and refer for evaluation as appropriate. Review Maryland Department of Health Medicaid Cell and Gene Therapy guidelines for clinical eligibility criteria and billing procedures.