2013 Maryland Code
HEALTH - GENERAL
§ 15-301 - Established; purpose; administration; eligible participants

§15-301.

(a) There is a Maryland Children’s Health Program.

(b) The Maryland Children’s Health Program shall provide, subject to the limitations of the State budget and any other requirements imposed by the State and as permitted by federal law or waiver, comprehensive medical care and other health care services to an individual who has a family income at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty guidelines and who is under the age of 19 years.

(c) The Maryland Children’s Health Program shall be administered:

(1) Except as provided in item (3) of this subsection, for individuals whose family income is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, through the Program under Subtitle 1 of this title requiring individuals to enroll in managed care organizations;

(2) For eligible individuals whose family income is above 200 percent, but at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, through the MCHP premium plan under § 15-301.1 of this subtitle; or

(3) In fiscal year 2004 only, for eligible individuals whose family income is above 185 percent, but at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, through the MCHP premium plan under § 15-301.1 of this subtitle.

(d) (1) The Department shall provide eligible individuals and health care providers with an accurate directory or other listing of all available providers:

(i) In written form, made available upon request; and

(ii) On an Internet database.

(2) The Department shall update the Internet database at least every 30 days.

(3) The written directory shall include a conspicuous reference to the Internet database.

§ 15-301 - 1. Premium Plans

(a) Definitions. --

(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) Applicability. -- 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) Family contribution. --

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