federal poverty level but does not exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty level, and
the use of family contribution amounts in sufficient time to meet the July 1, 1999
implementation date for employer sponsored health benefit plans, individual health
benefit plans, and family contribution amount requirements.]

SECTION 5. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That authorization is
granted to the Governor to transfer by contract, grant, or otherwise, $500,000, to the
Foundation in the 1998 fiscal year or 1999 fiscal year budgets to cover the expenses
associated with the operation of the Foundation.

SECTION 6. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the Department of
Health and Mental Hygiene shall seek a written determination or decision from the
federal Health Care Financing Administration as to whether the State can employ a
refundable tax credit in the Children and Families Health Care Program established
under § 15-301 of the Health - General Article. On or before December 1, 1998, the
Department shall report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2-1246 of the
State Government Article, on the following:

(1) the federal Health Care Financing Administration's written
determination or decision as to whether the State can employ a refundable tax credit
in the Children and Families Health Care Program; and

(2) if the federal Health Care Financing Administration approves a
refundable tax credit, the feasibility of and methods for employing a refundable tax
credit in the Children and Families Health Care Program.

SECTION 7. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the Department of
Health and Mental Hygiene shall seek a written determination or decision from the
federal Health Care Financing Administration as to whether the State can extend the
use of employer sponsored health benefit plans or individual health benefit plans on
a voluntary basis to individuals who have a family income at or below 185 percent of
the federal poverty level. On or before December 1, 1998, the Department shall report
to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2-1246 of the State Government
Article, on the following:

(1) the federal Health Care Financing Administration's written
determination or decision as to whether the State can extend the use of an employer
sponsored health benefit plan or an individual health benefit plan on a voluntary
basis to individuals with a family income at or below 185 percent of the federal
poverty level; and

(2) if the federal Health Care Financing Administration approves
extending the use of an employer sponsored health benefit plan or an individual
health benefit plan to individuals with a family income at or below 185 percent of the
federal poverty level, the feasibility of and methods for implementing the use of
employer sponsored health benefit plans or individuals health benefit plans on a
voluntary basis to individuals with a family income at or below 185 percent of the
federal poverty level.

SECTION 8. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That, on or before December
1, 1998, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene shall study and report to the