Maryland § 15-1318

§ 15-1318.

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

        (2)    “Institution of higher education” has the meaning stated in the federal Higher Education Act of 1965.

        (3)    “Student administrative health fee” means a fee charged by an institution of higher education on a periodic basis to students of the institution of higher education to offset the cost of providing health care through health clinics regardless of whether the students utilize the health clinics or enroll in student health plan coverage.

        (4)    “Student health plan” means an individual health benefit plan that is provided to students enrolled in an institution of higher education and their dependents under a written agreement that:

            (i)    is between the institution of higher education and a carrier;

            (ii)    does not make coverage under the health benefit plan available other than in connection with enrollment as a student or as a dependent of a student in the institution of higher education; and

            (iii)    does not condition eligibility for the health benefit plan on any health status–related factor relating to a student or a dependent of a student.

    (b)    A carrier that offers student health plans is not required to:

        (1)    accept individuals who are not:

            (i)    students; or

            (ii)    dependents of students covered under the student health plan;

        (2)    establish open enrollment periods;

        (3)    establish effective dates that are based on a calendar year;

        (4)    offer health benefit plan contracts that are on a calendar year basis; or

        (5)    renew, or continue in force, coverage for individuals who are no longer students or dependents of students.

    (c)    A student health plan is not subject to the requirement of a single risk pool under § 1312(c) of the Affordable Care Act.

    (d)    A student health plan shall comply with the requirements of 45 C.F.R. § 147.145, as interpreted and implemented by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

    (e)    A student administrative health fee is not considered a cost–sharing requirement with respect to specified recommended preventive services.