Bill > SB211

This bill modifies Maryland's insurance law by updating the definition of "health benefit plan" across multiple sections of the state code to align with federal regulations. Specifically, the bill removes detailed, lengthy descriptions about hospital indemnity or fixed indemnity insurance and replaces them with a simplified reference to federal exceptions outlined in specific Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) sections 45 C.F.R. § 146.145(B)(4), 45 C.F.R. § 148.220(B)(4), and a combination of both. The changes simplify the existing language about when certain types of insurance are excluded from the definition of a health benefit plan, removing previous requirements such as specific notice language and detailed conditions about how benefits are paid. By referencing federal regulations directly, the bill streamlines the legal text and ensures consistency with federal standards. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, giving insurance providers and regulators time to adjust to the new language.

Budget and Finance

Finance (Senate)

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0211?ys=2025RS