The federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act as amended by the federal Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of March 2010 requires each State to establish a health benefit exchange by January 1, 2014. Further, each State is mandated to have the governance and structure of its health benefit exchange in place by March 2012.
The Maryland Health Benefit Exchange was created to meet federal requirements, and to reduce the number of Maryland residents who have no health insurance. To provide Marylanders with high quality, affordable private health plans at competitive prices, the Exchange will facilitate the purchase and sale of qualified health plans in the individual insurance market; assist qualified employers in enrolling their employees in qualified health plans in the small group market; and administering tax credits for individuals and small businesses. Also, the Exchange must operate a toll-free hotline; maintain a website with comprehensive information on qualified health plans; provide an electronic calculator that can compute the actual cost of coverage factoring in all variables such as tax credits and cost-sharing; and establish a Navigator program that provides grants to entities assisting consumers.
By December 23, 2011, the Board of Trustees of the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, along with the advisory committees appointed by the Board, will study and make recommendations on the potential structure and functions of the Exchange. These recommendations may include proposed legislation and regulations as necessary to implement the Exchange.
The Exchange is governed by a nine-member Board of Trustees. Six members are appointed by the Governor to four-year terms. Three members serve ex officio. With the approval of the Governor, the Board appoints the Executive Director.
© Copyright June 02, 2011 Maryland State Archives