Maryland Health - General Section 15-301.1

      (a)      (1)      In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

            (2)      "Eligible individual" means an individual who qualifies to participate in the Maryland Children's Health Program under § 15-301(b) of this subtitle.

            (3)      "Family contribution" means the portion of the premium cost paid for an eligible individual to enroll and participate in the Maryland Children's Health Program.

            (4)      "MCHP premium plan" means the plan established under this section to provide access to health insurance coverage to eligible individuals through managed care organizations under the Maryland Children's Health Program.

      (b)      Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, this section applies only to individuals whose family income is above 200 percent, but at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.

      (c)      (1)      As a requirement of enrollment and participation in the MCHP premium plan, the parent or guardian of an eligible individual shall agree to pay the following annual family contribution:

                  (i)      In fiscal year 2004 only, for an eligible individual whose family income is above 185 percent, but at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, an amount equal to 2 percent of the annual income of a family of two at 185 percent of the federal poverty guidelines;

                  (ii)      For an eligible individual whose family income is above 200 percent, but at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, an amount equal to 2 percent of the annual income of a family of two at 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines; and

                  (iii)      For an eligible individual whose family income is above 250 percent, but at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, an amount equal to 2 percent of the annual income of a family of two at 250 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.

            (2)      The family contribution amounts required under paragraph (1) of this subsection apply on a per family basis regardless of the number of eligible individuals each family has enrolled in the MCHP premium plan.

      (d)      The Department shall adopt regulations necessary to implement this section.