Ch. 503

1995 LAWS OF MARYLAND

(i) All visits for and costs of childhood and adolescent immunizations
recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for
Disease Control;

(ii) Visits for the collection of adequate samples for hereditary and
metabolic newborn screening and follow-up between birth and 4 weeks of age, the first of
which is to be collected before 2 weeks of age;

(iii) All visits for and costs of age-appropriate screening tests for
tuberculosis, anemia, lead toxicity, hearing, and vision as determined by the American
Academy of Pediatrics;

(iv) The following services at each of the visits required under
subparagraphs (i), (ii), and (iii) of this paragraph:

1.       A physical examination;

2.       A developmental assessment; and

3.       Parental anticipatory guidance; and

(v) Laboratory tests considered necessary by the physician as indicated
by the services provided under subparagraphs (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) of this paragraph.

(d) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SUBSECTION (E) OF THIS SECTION, A GROUP OR
BLANKET HEALTH INSURANCE POLICY UPON NOTIFICATION OF THE PREGNANCY OF
THE INSURED, SHALL:

(1)      ENCOURAGE AND ASSIST THE INSURED, PRIOR TO THE DELIVERY
DATE, TO SELECT AND CONTACT A PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER FOR THE EXPECTED
NEWBORN: NEWBORN PRIOR TO DELIVERY; AND

(2)      PROVIDE THE INSURED, PRIOR TO THE DELIVERY DATE, WITH
INFORMATION ON POSTPARTUM HOME VISITS FOR THE MOTHER AND THE CHILD
THAT INCLUDES THE NAMES OF PROVIDERS THAT ARE AVAILABLE FOR
POSTPARTUM HOME VISITS; AND

(3)     REQUIRE THE INSURED TO SELECT AND CONTACT A PRIMARY CARE
PROVIDER FOR THE NEWBORN PRIOR TO DISCHARGE OF THE NEWBORN FROM THE
HOSPITAL.

(E) A GROUP OR BLANKET HEALTH INSURER THAT DOES NOT REQUIRE OR
ENCOURAGE THE INSURED TO UTILIZE ANY PARTICULAR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
OR GROUP OF HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS THAT HAVE ENTERED INTO A CONTRACT
WITH THE INSURER TO PROVIDE SERVICES TO THE INSURER'S INSUREDS IS NOT
REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH SUBSECTION (D) OF THIS SECTION.

(E) (F) (1) A group or blanket health insurance policy may not impose a
deductible on the coverage required under this section.

(2) Notice of the prohibition established under paragraph (1) of this
subsection shall be stated in each health insurance policy and certificate in a form
approved by the Commissioner.

- 2922 -