Governor and, in accordance with § 2-1246 of the State Government Article, to the
General Assembly on the administrative costs associated with mandating the use of
employer sponsored health benefit plans, individual health benefit plans, and family
contribution requirements, including an estimate of the administrative costs that the
Department, carriers, managed care organizations, and employers will incur in
implementing the use of employer sponsored health benefit plans, individual health
benefit plans, and family contribution amounts. Notwithstanding the provisions of
this Section, the Department shall take whatever steps are necessary to move
forward with the implementation of the requirements contained in Title 15, Subtitle 3
of the Health - General Article.

SECTION 9. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That on or before December
1, 1998, the Department of Legislative Services shall study and report to the
Governor and, in accordance with § 2-1246 of the State Government Article, the
General Assembly on the structure and organization of entities similar to the
Maryland Health Care Foundation established under § 20-501 of the Health -
General Article.

SECTION 10. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That if any provision of this
Act or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is not approved by the
federal Health Care Financing Administration, that disapproval does not affect other
provisions or any other application of this Act which is approved, and for this purpose
the provisions of this Act are declared severable.

SECTION 11. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That at the end of June 30,
2004, with no further action required by the General Assembly, Section 3 of this Act
shall be abrogated and of no further force and effect.

SECTION 12. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act is an
emergency measure, is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public health
and safety, has been passed by a yea and nay vote supported by three-fifths of all the
members elected to each of the two Houses of the General Assembly, and shall take
effect from the date it is enacted.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That:

(a) The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, in consultation with the
Maryland Insurance Administration, the Health Care Foundation, the. Health Care
Access and Cost Commission, the business community, and the health care insurance
industry shall study and make recommendations regarding the ability of the State to
expand the Children and Families Health Care Program, beyond the current income
eligibility level to individuals who would qualify for the enhanced federal match
provided for under Title XXI of the Social Security Act as part of the program
established under § 15-301 of this subtitle through private market, employer
sponsored health benefits plans and private market, individual health benefit plans.

(b) In conducting the study and making the recommendations required under
subsection (a), the Department shall:

(1) document and consider the policies of other states concerning the
extension of private market insurance to uninsured children;