Bill > SB547

This bill establishes a Commission to Study Health Insurance Pooling, which will investigate the potential benefits of consolidating health insurance purchasing for public employees across Maryland's state, county, municipal, and educational organizations. The Commission will consist of 17 members, including state legislators, government officials, representatives from labor unions, insurance professionals, and health care advocates. The Secretary of Budget and Management will chair the Commission, which will be staffed by the Department of Budget and Management. The Commission's primary tasks are to collect and analyze data on current health insurance benefits for public employees, examine the potential fiscal impacts of pooling insurance purchases, identify obstacles to implementation, and develop recommendations to maximize value and efficiency while maintaining comprehensive benefits and reasonable premiums. The Commission is required to submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly by December 1, 2026. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, and will remain in effect for two years, automatically expiring on June 30, 2027, unless further action is taken.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0547?ys=2025RS