Bill Positions

Bill Number: HB 1540

Bill Title: Health Care Reform Act of 2008

Bill Sponsor(s): Delegate Benson, et al

Subject: Health

Committee: HGO

Bill Summary: This bill would make significant changes to the forms of health insurance offered in Maryland, including: (1) Requiring health insurance for individuals to be limited to 5 plans, based on guaranteed issue and community rating; (2) Increasing from 50 to 100 employees the employer size that participates in the small group health plan; (3) Requiring all employers to pay health expenditures for full and part-time employees equal to 7.5% of payroll or to pay an equivalent amount to a state health care fund; and (4) Requiring employers to comply with the Act by 7/1/10 or pay fines of $1,000 to $3,000 per employee.

History: None

Chamber Position: Oppose

Position Summary: The Maryland Chamber opposes this bill because it departs from market-driven health insurance plans, limits individual choice, and attempts to impose an employer assessment mandate that clearly violates federal ERISA law.

Position Statement: Click here to download a pdf version of the Maryland Chamber's position statement.

Chamber Staff: Ronald Wineholt

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.