Maryland § 15-1204
Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 15-1204, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 15-1204.
(a) This section applies to a carrier with respect to any health benefit plan that is a grandfathered health plan, as defined in § 1251 of the Affordable Care Act.
(b) In addition to any other requirement under this article, a carrier shall:
(1) have demonstrated the capacity to administer the health benefit plan, including adequate numbers and types of administrative personnel;
(2) have a satisfactory grievance procedure and ability to respond to enrollees’ calls, questions, and complaints;
(3) provide, in the case of individuals covered under more than one health benefit plan, for coordination of coverage under all of those health benefit plans in an equitable manner; and
(4) design policies to help ensure adequate access to providers of health care.
(c) A person may not offer a health benefit plan in the State unless the person offers at least the Standard Plan.
(d) A carrier may not offer a health benefit plan that has fewer benefits than those in the Standard Plan.
(e) A carrier may offer benefits in addition to those in the Standard Plan if:
(1) the additional benefits:
(i) are offered and priced separately from benefits specified in accordance with § 15–1207 of this subtitle; and
(ii) do not have the effect of duplicating any of those benefits; and
(2) the carrier:
(i) clearly distinguishes the Standard Plan from other offerings of the carrier;
(ii) indicates the Standard Plan is the only plan required by State law; and
(iii) specifies that all enhancements to the Standard Plan are not required by State law.
(f) Notwithstanding subsection (c) of this section, a health maintenance organization may provide a point of service delivery system as an additional benefit through another carrier regardless of whether the other carrier also offers the Standard Plan.
(g) A carrier may offer coverage for dental care and services as an additional benefit.
(h) (1) In this subsection, “prominent carrier” means a carrier that insures at least 10% of the total lives insured in the small group market.
(2) (i) A prominent carrier shall offer a wellness benefit for a health benefit plan offered under this subtitle.
(ii) A carrier that is not a prominent carrier may offer a wellness benefit for a health benefit plan offered under this subtitle.
(3) A carrier may not condition the sale of a wellness benefit to a small employer on participation of the eligible employees of the small employer in wellness programs or activities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 15-1204
What does Maryland Code § 15-1204 cover?
Section 15-1204 is part of the Maryland Code, the codified statutory law of Maryland. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Maryland § 15-1204?
A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 15-1204" (Maryland). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Maryland law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maryland official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maryland attorney.
How does Maryland § 15-1204 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maryland can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.