Maryland HB1129 mandates minimum wages and earned leave for personal care aides employed by Medicaid-reimbursed provider agencies.

Maryland HB1129 amends the Maryland Medical Assistance Program to ensure personal care aides receive a minimum wage of $17 per hour and paid earned sick and safe leave. Provider agencies must notify aides of their wages upon hiring and annually. The Maryland Department of Health must report to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Health Committee by October 1, 2026, on steps to ensure 80% of Medicaid payments for personal care services are spent on aide compensation, with an hourly wage of at least $20. The act takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maryland HB1129 mandates minimum wages and earned leave for personal care aides employed by Medicaid-reimbursed provider agencies.

Maryland HB1129 amends the Maryland Medical Assistance Program to ensure personal care aides receive a minimum wage of $17 per hour and paid earned sick and safe leave. Provider agencies must notify aides of their wages upon hiring and annually. The Maryland Department of Health must report to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Health Committee by October 1, 2026, on steps to ensure 80% of Medicaid payments for personal care services are spent on aide compensation, with an hourly wage of at least $20. The act takes effect July 1, 2026.