Ch. 94

2004 LAWS OF MARYLAND

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

Article - Insurance

15-1205.

(a) (1) In establishing a community rate for a health benefit plan, a carrier
shall use a rating methodology that is based on the experience of all risks covered by
that health benefit plan without regard to [health status or occupation or] any
[other] factor not specifically authorised under this subsection.

(2) [A] SUBJECT TO PARAGRAPHS (4), (5), AND (6) OF THIS SUBSECTION,
A carrier may adjust the community rate only for:

(i) age; [and]

(ii) geography based on the following contiguous areas of the State:

1. the Baltimore metropolitan area;

2. the District of Columbia metropolitan area;

3. Western Maryland; and

4. Eastern and Southern Maryland;

(III) HEALTH STATUS; AND

(IV) TOBACCO USE.

(3) Rates for a health benefit plan may vary based on family composition
as approved by the Commissioner.

(4) (I) IN ADJUSTING THE COMMUNITY RATE FOR AGE, A CARRIER
SHALL USE THE FOLLOWING AGE BRACKETS:

1.      19 THROUCH 24;

2.      25 THROUGH 29;

3.       30 THROUGH 39;

4.       40 THROUGH 44;

5.       45 THROUGH 49;

6.       50 THROUGH 54;

7.       55 THROUGH 59;

8.       60 THROUGH 64; AND

9.       65 AND OLDER

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