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

Article 48A - Insurance Code

[354R.

(a) This section applies only if an initial enrollment of
at least 25 subscribers reasonably can be expected under a new or
expanded group contract.

(b) Every nonprofit health service plan providing hospital
benefits proposing to issue in this State a group contract
program shall offer to the group the option to provide benefits
for treatment of drug abuse equal to at least the following
coverage:

(1) In a 12-month benefit period, at least 21 days
inpatient treatment in a hospital or residential treatment
facility that the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has
certified or licensed for that purpose; and

(2) If the policy is a major medical insurance
policy.

(i) Coverage in an outpatient treatment program
that the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has certified or
licensed for that purpose; and

(ii) Coverage shall be for at least 80 percent
of the cost of care, but is not required to exceed $1,000 in any
12-month period.

(c) For purposes of subsection (b) of this section, a
proposed change in benefits under an existing contract is a
proposal to issue a contract.

(d) For the purposes of this section "drug abuse" means an
uncontrollable and excessive use of a drug or drug derivative.]

490F.

(a) Any group contract that is issued on an expense
incurred basis, including one issued by a nonprofit health
service plan, shall provide at least the following minimum
benefits for the treatment of alcoholism AND DRUG ABUSE in any
calendar or policy year:

(1) 7 days of emergency care or detoxification in an
acute general hospital or a nonhospital detoxification facility
licensed by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene;

- 2765 -

WILLIAM DONALD SCHAEFER, Governor

Ch. 288