Ch. 357

2003 LAWS OF MARYLAND

(2) CONTRIBUTE TO THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE OVERALL HEALTH
STATUS OF MARYLAND RESIDENTS;

(3) PROVIDE FINANCIAL OR IN-KIND SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC HEALTH
PROGRAMS;

(4) EMPLOY UNDERWRITING STANDARDS IN A MANNER THAT
INCREASES THE AVAILABILITY OF ONE OR MORE HEALTH CARE SERVICES OR
PRODUCTS;

(5) EMPLOY PRICING POLICIES THAT:

(I) ENHANCE THE AFFORDABILITY OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES OR
PRODUCTS;

(II) RESULT IN A HIGHER MEDICAL LOSS RATIO THAN THAT
ESTABLISHED BY A COMPARABLE FOR-PROFIT HEALTH INSURER; AND

(III) DO NOT IMPAIR THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE
NONPROFIT HEALTH SERVICE PLAN;

(6) OFFER A PRODUCT IN THE INDIVIDUAL MARKET;

(7) OFFER A PRODUCT IN THE SMALL EMPLOYER GROUP MARKET;

(8) PARTNER WITH THE STATE AND OTHER PUBLIC OR PRIVATE
ENTITIES TO PROVIDE SERVICES OR ADMINISTER PROGRAMS TO ADDRESS
COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE NEEDS; AND

(9) CONTINUE SUBSIDIZATION OF THE SENIOR PRESCRIPTION DRUG
PROGRAM ESTABLISHED UNDER TITLE 14, SUBTITLE 5, PART II OF THE INSURANCE
ARTICLE.

(G) (1) IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 2-1246 OF THIS TITLE. THE COMMITTEE
SHALL SUBMIT AN ANNUAL REPORT TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON OR BEFORE
DECEMBER 1 OF EACH YEAR

(2) THE REPORT SHALL INCLUDE THE FINDINGS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE WITH REGARD TO THE EXAMINATION AND
EVALUATION CARRIED OUT UNDER SUBSECTION (F) OF THIS SECTION.

SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That, pursuant to § 6.5-203(h)
of the State Government Article, as enacted by Section 1 of this Act, the General
Assembly ratifies the determination of the Maryland Insurance Commissioner and
finds that the conversion of CareFirst to a for profit entity is not in the public interest,
and declares that it is in the interest of all Marylanders to protect and preserve
CareFirst in its nonprofit form.

SECTION 4. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That:

(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of § 14-115(d)(2) and (4) of the Insurance
Article, as enacted by Section 1 of this Act, ten board members representing a
corporation that is organized under the laws of the State and that is subject to the

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