Ch. 296                                    2004 LAWS OF MARYLAND

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
October 1, 2004.

Approved May 11, 2004.

CHAPTER 296
(Senate Bill 614)

AN ACT concerning

State Employee Retirees - Retention of Prescription Benefits Plan

FOR the purpose of requiring the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare
Benefits Program to include a prescription drug benefit plan for certain State
retirees notwithstanding any changes in federal law permitting a state to
discontinue prescription drug benefit plans for state retirees; and generally
relating to the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits
Program and prescription drug coverage for State retirees.

BY adding to

Article — State Personnel and Pensions

Section 2-509.1

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1997 Replacement Volume and 2003 Supplement)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article - State Personnel and Pensions

2-509.1.

THE STATE SHALL CONTINUE TO INCLUDE A PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFIT
PLAN IN THE HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFIT OPTIONS ESTABLISHED UNDER THE
PROGRAM AND AVAILABLE TO RETIREES UNDER §§ 2-508 AND 2-509 OF THIS
SUBTITLE NOTWITHSTANDING THE ENACTMENT OF THE FEDERAL MEDICARE
PRESCRIPTION DRUG, IMPROVEMENT, AND MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2003 OR ANY
OTHER FEDERAL LAW PERMITTING STATES TO DISCONTINUE PRESCRIPTION DRUG
BENEFIT PLANS TO RETIREES OF A STATE.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
July 1, 2004.

Approved May 11, 2004.

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