Notice of Emergency Legislation - SB84

MARTIN O'MALLEY Governor ANTHONY G. BROWN Lt. Governor MARYLAND INSURANCE ADMINISTRATION RALPH S. TYLER Commissioner BETH SAMMIS Deputy Commissioner 525 St. Paul Place, Baltimore, Maryland 21202-2272 1-800-492-6116 TTY: 1-800-735-2258 www.mdinsurance.state.md.us # BULLETIN 09-06 Date: April 3, 2009 To: Insurers, Nonprofit Health Service Plans and Health Maintenance Organizations Participating in the Maryland Small Group Health Insurance/HMO Market Re: Notice of Emergency Legislation—Senate Bill 84, Acts of 2009 The purpose of this bulletin is to update carriers in the small group market of the progress of the emergency legislation that will impact their business practice in Maryland. Senate Bill 84 of the Acts of 2009 has passed both chambers and is awaiting the Governor's signature. It is expected that the Governor will sign Senate Bill 84 on April 14, 2009. As emergency legislation, the bill will become effective on the date the Governor signs it. Senate Bill 84 provides the protections of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) to Maryland residents who were: 1. Covered under small employer contracts that are subject to the Maryland "mini-COBRA" continuation of coverage requirements found in §15-409 of the Insurance Article, and 2. Involuntarily terminated from employment between September 1, 2008 and February 17, 2009. Senate Bill 84 requires carriers to provide the extended election period, similar to the extended election period provided under the ARRA for individuals eligible for COBRA. Interested parties may view a copy of Senate Bill 84 on the General Assembly's website at http://www.mlis.state.md.us. Questions regarding this bulletin may be directed to the Life/Health section at 410-468-2170. Brenda A. Wilson Brenda A. Wilson Associate Commissioner Life/Health Section