review program, (4) hospital
charge audit program, (5) audit

of mental nervous claims in

excess of ten visits, and (6) (5)

accounts specific management

reporting capabilities. Further,

provided that the employee

contribution levels for the two
three plans to be offered to
State employees under this new
program should be established as
follows: (1) preferred provider
plan -- the State's share will be
established at 95% of the costs,
the employee's share to be set at
5% of cost, (2) the high option
plan and the full service plan --
the State's share for the full
service plan shall be set at 85%
95% of the preferred provider
plan cost and the State share for
the high option plan or any other
plan shall be set at 85% of the
full service plan and the
employee's share shall be the
balance of cost for this these

plan plans. The above

contribution rates shall be in
effect during fiscal year 1985.
The General Assembly continues to
be concerned about the large
increases in both cost and
utilization of employee health
insurance benefits. The proposed
preferred provider plan, and
other similar approaches are

being developed as

cost-containment alternatives

while still providing an employee
with an adequate level of health

services. The Secretary of

Personnel and the Secretary of
Budget and Fiscal Planning shall

develop additional cost

incentives and employee health

insurance plan alternatives,

which will encourage state

employees to select more

cost-efficient programs and to
utilize health care benefits more

efficiently. Additional

alternative plans and cost

containment initiatives shall be
provided to the Budget Committees

168

LAWS OF MARYLAND

Ch. 81