Bill > SB611

This bill requires the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, in collaboration with the State Department of Education, to enhance health insurance access for child care professionals through several specific actions. These actions include partnering with the State Department of Education, prekindergarten provider hubs, child care associations, and relevant nonprofit organizations; helping child care professionals obtain health insurance through the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange or Medicaid; assisting professionals who lose Medicaid coverage in finding alternative insurance options; ensuring health plans meet the budgetary and coverage needs of child care professionals and their employers; providing informational resources like flyers, webinars, and in-person events targeted to the child care community; and conducting a survey to assess current health care access levels across the child care community. The survey will be developed in consultation with the State Department of Education and nonprofit organizations, with a particular focus on providers who accept child care scholarship vouchers. Additionally, the bill authorizes child care providers receiving significant government funding to participate in the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program as a satellite organization. The provisions of this bill are set to take effect on October 1, 2025, aiming to improve health insurance accessibility and support for child care professionals in Maryland.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0611?ys=2025RS