§ 15–1204
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Ins. § 15-1204 (2026)
Title 15. Health Insurance
Subtitle 12. Maryland Health Insurance Reform Act
§ 15–1204LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies to a carrier with respect to any health benefit plan that is a grandfathered health plan, as defined in § 1251 of the Affordable Care Act.
(b)
In addition to any other requirement under this article, a carrier shall:
(1)
have demonstrated the capacity to administer the health benefit plan, including adequate numbers and types of administrative personnel;
(2)
have a satisfactory grievance procedure and ability to respond to enrollees’ calls, questions, and complaints;
(3)
provide, in the case of individuals covered under more than one health benefit plan, for coordination of coverage under all of those health benefit plans in an equitable manner; and
(4)
design policies to help ensure adequate access to providers of health care.
(c)
A person may not offer a health benefit plan in the State unless the person offers at least the Standard Plan.
(d)
A carrier may not offer a health benefit plan that has fewer benefits than those in the Standard Plan.
(e)
A carrier may offer benefits in addition to those in the Standard Plan if:
(1)
the additional benefits:
(i)
are offered and priced separately from benefits specified in accordance with § 15–1207 of this subtitle; and
(ii)
do not have the effect of duplicating any of those benefits; and
(2)
the carrier:
(i)
clearly distinguishes the Standard Plan from other offerings of the carrier;
(ii)
indicates the Standard Plan is the only plan required by State law; and
(iii)
specifies that all enhancements to the Standard Plan are not required by State law.
(f)
Notwithstanding subsection (c) of this section, a health maintenance organization may provide a point of service delivery system as an additional benefit through another carrier regardless of whether the other carrier also offers the Standard Plan.
(g)
A carrier may offer coverage for dental care and services as an additional benefit.
(h)
(1)
In this subsection, “prominent carrier” means a carrier that insures at least 10% of the total lives insured in the small group market.
(2)
(i)
A prominent carrier shall offer a wellness benefit for a health benefit plan offered under this subtitle.
(ii)
A carrier that is not a prominent carrier may offer a wellness benefit for a health benefit plan offered under this subtitle.
(3)
A carrier may not condition the sale of a wellness benefit to a small employer on participation of the eligible employees of the small employer in wellness programs or activities.