WILLIAM DONALD SCHAEFER, Governor

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
13-4A-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,
professional, licensing, or disciplinary body, as applicable. The Unit may monitor the
progress of the concerns raised by health consumers through such referrals.

(3) Whenever any billing or coverage question concerns a matter withir
the jurisdiction of the Insurance Commissioner, the Unit shall refer the matter to the

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