Maryland 2023 Regular Session

Maryland House Bill HB107

Introduced
1/11/23  

Caption

Maryland Health Benefit Exchange – Small Employers – Special Enrollment Period and Marketing

Impact

The implications of HB 107 are significant for Maryland's healthcare landscape. By facilitating special enrollment opportunities for individuals associated with small employers, the bill aims to provide greater coverage for a demographic that might otherwise lack adequate health insurance. The Maryland Health Benefit Exchange is required to report on the usage of this enrollment period, which underscores the bill's accountability and a focus on monitoring its effectiveness. Additionally, the funding provisions included in the bill ensure that the Exchange has the resources necessary to implement these initiatives through marketing and outreach, specifically targeting small and nonprofit employers and their employees.

Summary

House Bill 107, titled 'Maryland Health Benefit Exchange – Small Employers – Special Enrollment Period and Marketing', aims to enhance access to health insurance for employees of small employers that do not offer employer-sponsored health benefit plans. The bill mandates the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange to create a special enrollment period that will assist individuals who become newly employed by these small businesses and their dependents, allowing them to enroll in health insurance plans. This initiative responds to the need for more comprehensive health coverage options for employees of small businesses, particularly in a market where such employers may struggle to provide benefits due to financial constraints.

Contention

As the bill was discussed, notable points of contention revolved around the implications of increased enrollment efforts for small employers and the potential burden on employers in terms of costs associated with employee enrollment in health insurance. Proponents argue that this bill is essential for ensuring that more individuals gain access to necessary health coverage. Critics, however, may raise concerns regarding the complexities of enrollment processes and whether small employers can support the administrative demands required to facilitate these opportunities effectively. The ongoing discussion reflects a broader debate on the responsibilities of small employers in providing health benefits and how state regulations can assist in balancing costs with employee welfare.

Companion Bills

MD SB59

Crossfiled Maryland Health Benefit Exchange – Small Employers – Special Enrollment Period and Marketing

Previously Filed As

MD SB59

Maryland Health Benefit Exchange – Small Employers – Special Enrollment Period and Marketing

MD SB632

Maryland Health Benefit Exchange - Small Business and Nonprofit Health Insurance Subsidies Program - Workgroup

MD HB709

Maryland Health Benefit Exchange - Small Business and Nonprofit Health Insurance Subsidies Program - Workgroup

MD HB2083

Pregnant qualified individuals; Va. Health Benefit Exchange to establish special enrollment period.

MD HB312

Virginia Health Benefit Exchange; annual marketing plan.

MD SB469

Virginia Health Benefit Exchange; annual marketing plan.

MD HB297

Maryland Health Benefit Exchange - State-Based Young Adult Health Insurance Subsidies Pilot Program - Sunset Repeal

MD HB814

Maryland Health Benefit Exchange - State-Based Young Adult Health Insurance Subsidies Pilot Program - Sunset Extension

MD SB601

Maryland Health Benefit Exchange - State-Based Young Adult Health Insurance Subsidies Pilot Program - Sunset Extension

MD HB23

Maryland Health Benefit Exchange - Qualified Health Plans - Dental Coverage

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