Ch. 35

1997 LAWS OF MARYLAND

15-506. EFFECT OF MARITAL STATUS ON MATERNITY BENEFITS.

(A) INDIVIDUAL OR FAMILY COVERAGE.

EACH INSURER AND NONPROFIT HEALTH SERVICE PLAN THAT PROVIDES
MATERNITY BENEFITS IN A POLICY FORM CUSTOMARILY ISSUED ON AN
INDIVIDUAL OR FAMILY BASIS SHALL OFFER THE BENEFITS TO INDIVIDUALS
REGARDLESS OF MARITAL STATUS.

(B) GROUP COVERAGE.

(1) THIS SUBSECTION APPLIES TO EACH GROUP OR BLANKET HEALTH
INSURANCE POLICY THAT IS DELIVERED OR ISSUED FOR DELIVERY IN THE STATE
BY AN INSURER OR NONPROFIT HEALTH SERVICE PLAN.

(2) EACH POLICY SUBJECT TO THIS SUBSECTION THAT PROVIDES
MATERNITY BENEFITS FOR PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH OF EMPLOYEES OR
MEMBERS OR OF COVERED DEPENDENTS OF EMPLOYEES OR MEMBERS, WHETHER
THE BENEFITS ARE IN THE FORM OF DISABILITY, HOSPITAL, MEDICAL, OR
SURGICAL BENEFITS, SHALL PROVIDE IDENTICAL BENEFITS REGARDLESS OF
MARITAL STATUS TO:

(I) ALL COVERED EMPLOYEES OR MEMBERS; OR

(II) ALL COVERED EMPLOYEES OR MEMBERS AND ALL COVERED
DEPENDENTS OF EMPLOYEES OR MEMBERS.

REVISOR'S NOTE: This section is new language derived without substantive
change from former Art. 48A, §§ 354G, 354H, 470-1, and 477J.

In subsection (b)(1) of this section, the reference to a health insurance policy
that is delivered or issued for delivery in the State by an "insurer" is added to
clarify the applicability of subsection (b) of this section.

In the introductory language of subsection (b)(2) of this section, the former
references to benefits for medical or surgical "care" are deleted as surplusage.

Defined terms: "Health insurance" § 1-101
"Insurer" § 1-101
"Policy" § 1-101

15-507. PREEXISTING CONDITIONS.

(A) SCOPE OF SECTION.

(1) THIS SECTION APPLIES TO EACH GROUP OR BLANKET HEALTH
INSURANCE CONTRACT OR POLICY THAT IS ISSUED OR DELIVERED IN THE STATE
TO AN EMPLOYER BY AN INSURER OR NONPROFIT HEALTH SERVICE PLAN AND
THAT PROVIDES HOSPITAL, MEDICAL, OR SURGICAL BENEFITS ON AN
EXPENSE-INCURRED BASIS.

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