Bill > HB417

This bill establishes the Commission on Universal Health Care, a diverse 24-member body tasked with investigating the feasibility of creating a single-payer health care system in Maryland that would provide comprehensive health coverage to all state residents. The commission will include legislators, state agency representatives, labor union representatives, healthcare professionals, and representatives from various community organizations. The commission's primary objectives include studying how to provide affordable, high-quality health care coverage regardless of income, citizenship status, or existing insurance, with a comprehensive benefit package covering primary, preventive, mental health, reproductive, and hospital services. The commission will also explore strategies to improve health care equity, reduce disparities, contain costs, and create recommendations for integrating existing health care programs, transitioning potentially displaced workers, and developing a potential universal health care program structure. The commission is required to submit an interim report by June 1, 2027, and a final report with comprehensive analysis and recommendations by October 1, 2028, to the Governor and specific legislative committees. The bill will be in effect from June 1, 2025, until June 30, 2029, after which it will automatically be abrogated.

Health and Social Services

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0417?ys=2025RS