Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that expands Medicaid coverage and establishes procedures for transitioning individuals to the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, effective January 1, 2014.

Highlights:

• Expands Medicaid eligibility to households with an income of up to 133 percent of the federal poverty line (Sec. 1).

• Requires Maryland to provide comprehensive medical care to former foster care adolescents until age 26 (Sec. 1).

• Establishes procedures for closing the Maryland Health Insurance Plan, which is prohibited both from accepting new members after December 31, 2013 and providing coverage after January 1, 2020 (Sec. 2).

• Requires the Maryland Health Insurance Plan to inform members of their eligibility to purchase health plans in the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange and receive federal assistance, effective January 1, 2014 (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that a small business owner is not required to contribute to the health plans of his or her employees (Sec. 2).

• Authorizes the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange to establish the Consolidated Service Center in order to provide information and assistance for small business health plans, but prohibits them from soliciting small business owners to provide plans (Sec. 2).

• Requires health insurance carriers to continue providing coverage for enrollees in the Maryland Medical Assistance Program as they transition to the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text