Contract Filings 99-17

BULLETIN To: Small Group Health Maintenance Organizations Re: Contract Filings Date: August 17, 1999 Bulletin: Life and Health 99-17 We would like to bring to your attention revisions that will be required of small group contracts issued or renewed on or after October 1, 1999. These revisions are in addition to the changes required by COMAR 31.11.06 summarized in our Bulletin Number 4 of March 17, 1999. We recommend that these changes be made through an amendment rider which will be attached to the group policy and certificate. Please specify the form number and date of approval of the policy to which the amendment rider will be attached. To ensure approval by October 1, 1999, the filings must be received by this Administration by September 1, 1999. Revisions Required by 1999 Insurance Legislation • New Benefit for Continuity of Care Following Emergency Surgical Procedures—See House Bill 576, Chapter 644 of the Acts of 1999 and COMAR 31.11.06.09A. • New Extension of Benefits Provision—See Senate Bill 67, Chapter 139 of the Acts of 1999. Please note that the purpose of this bulletin is to help each carrier to comply with the changes to the laws. Carriers should refer to the 1999 Chapter Laws of Maryland for complete drafts of the laws. It is each carrier’s responsibility to review the laws before amending contracts. Please contact Ellen Woodall, Supervisor, Managed Care Unit at (410) 468-2226 if you have any questions regarding these filings. _________________________ Donna B. Imhoff Associate Commissioner