WILLIAM DONALD SCHAEFER, Governor Ch. 450

FOR the purpose of repealing the provisions of law that terminate as of a certain date
provisions for the Health Education and Advocacy Unit that is established in the
Division of Consumer Protection of the Office of the Attorney General.

BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments,
Article - Commercial Law

Section 13-4A-01 through 13-4A-03, inclusive, and the subtitle "Subtitle 4A.

Health Education and Advocacy Unit"
Annotated Code of Maryland
(1983 Replacement Volume and 1989 Supplement)

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,

Chapter 296 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 1986
Section 3

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,

Chapter 565 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 1986, as amended by Chapter

5 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 1989
Section 3

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article - Commercial Law

Subtitle 4A. Health Education and Advocacy Unit
13-4 A-01.

There is a Health Education and Advocacy Unit in the Division.
13-4A-02.

(a) The Unit may implement an educational and advocacy program designed to:

(1) Enable health care consumers to make more informed choices in the
health marketplace, and to be able to participate in decisions concerning their health
care; and

(2) Otherwise promote the interest of health consumers in the health
marketplace.

(b) (1) The Unit may assist health care consumers in understanding their
health care bills and third party coverage, in identifying improper billing or coverage
determinations, and in reporting any billing or coverage problems to appropriate
entities, including the Division, the Attorney General or other governmental agencies,
insurers, or providers.

(2) Whenever any billing or coverage question concerns the adequacy or
propriety of any services or treatment, the Unit shall refer the matter to an appropriate

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