§ 15–1A-01
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Ins. § 15-1A-01 (2026)
Title 15. Health Insurance
Subtitle 1A. Consumer Protections
§ 15–1A-01LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)
“Carrier” means:
(1)
an insurer that holds a certificate of authority in the State and provides health insurance in the State;
(2)
a health maintenance organization that is licensed to operate in the State;
(3)
a nonprofit health service plan that is licensed to operate in the State; or
(4)
any other person or organization that provides health benefit plans subject to State insurance regulation.
(c)
“Child” means:
(1)
a natural child, a stepchild, a foster child, or an adopted child of the insured; or
(2)
a child placed with the insured for legal adoption.
(d)
“Essential health benefit” means a health benefit that:
(1)
meets the criteria established under § 1302(b) of the Affordable Care Act; or
(2)
if the Commissioner adopts regulations as described in § 15–1A–04 of this subtitle, meets the criteria established by the adopted regulations.
(e)
“Grandfathered plan” means a health benefit plan that:
(1)
meets the criteria established under 45 C.F.R. § 147.140 and any corresponding federal rules and guidance as those provisions were in effect December 31, 2024; or
(2)
if the Commissioner adopts regulations as described in § 15–1A–03 of this subtitle, meets the criteria established by the adopted regulations.
(f)
“Group plan” means a small group plan or a large group plan.
(g)
“Health benefit plan” means an individual plan, a small group plan, or a large group plan.
(h)
“Individual plan” means an individual health benefit plan as defined in § 15–1301(o) of this title.
(i)
“Insured individual” means:
(1)
an insured, an enrollee, a subscriber, a participant, a member, or a beneficiary of a health benefit plan; or
(2)
any covered dependent of a health benefit plan.
(j)
“Large group plan” means a health benefit plan as defined in § 15–1401 of this title.
(k)
“Small group plan” means a health benefit plan as defined in § 15–1201 of this title.