3032

LAWS OF MARYLAND

[Ch. 659

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That new Section 26B be and it is hereby added
to Article 48A - Insurance Code, of the Annotated Code of
Maryland (1972 Replacement Volume and 1974 Supplement) to
read as follows:

Article 48A — Insurance Code

26B.

(A)    THE COMMISSIONER SHALL OBTAIN AND COMPILE DATA
THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY THE PURCHASER REGARDING
[[THE COST OF]] HEALTH INSURANCE.

(B)    THE COMMISSIONER SHALL MAINTAIN AND UPDATE
THIS DATA AND SHALL, AT LEAST ONCE ANNUALLY AFTER OCTOBER
1, 1976, PUBLISH IN PAMPHLET OR BOOKLET FORM AS MUCH OF
THIS DATA OR INFORMATION HE DEEMS USEFUL TO EXPLAIN TO
THE CONSUMER THE FACTS RELATING TO THE [[TRUE]] COST OF
HEALTH INSURANCE, THE EXTENT OF COVERAGE OF HEALTH
INSURANCE AND OTHER CONSUMER INFORMATION DEEMED USEFUL BY
THE COMMISSIONER. THE PAMPHLET OR BOOKLET SHALL INCLUDE,
BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO, AN EXPLANATION OF: THE REASONS
FOR HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE; GROUP, INDIVIDUAL AND
FAMILY POLICIES AND PLANS; FORMS OF PROTECTION AND
BENEFITS; SUPPLEMENTAL PLANS, POLICY DEFINITIONS OF
"SICKNESS" AND "ACCIDENT"; POLICY EXCLUSIONS FOR
PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS; COORDINATION OF BENEFITS; POLICY
EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS; GOVERNMENT HEALTH INSURANCE
PLANS; AND CLAIMS AND HANDLING FORMS.

(C)    COPIES OF THE BOOKLET OR PAMPHLET PUBLISHED BY
THE COMMISSIONER SHALL BE FORWARDED TO ANY MEMBER OF THE
GENERAL PUBLIC UPON REQUEST. THE COMMISSIONER MAY CHARGE
A REASONABLE FEE TO COVER THE COST OF THE BOOKLET OR
PAMPHLET.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act
shall take effect July 1, 1975.

Approved May 15, 1975.

CHAPTER 660
(House Bill 190)