December 26th, 2025 by WCBC Radio

Several new Maryland laws take effect on January 1st, 2026, impacting health care, homeownership protections, workers and patients.  Major changes include firefighter cancer screenings, pediatric hospital transfer rules, expended hearing aid coverage and restrictions on step-therapy for key medications.  Tax sale protections for heirs will also be affected.  Marylanders should review their health coverage, employment benefits and local county procedures ahead of the first of the year to understand how the changes may affect them.