Maryland Health - General Section 13-303

      (a)      The General Assembly finds that:

            (1)      One of the most serious and tragic problems facing the public health and welfare is the death of hundreds of people in this State each year from chronic kidney disease, when the present state of medical art and technology could return these individuals to a socially productive life;

            (2)      Advances and discoveries in the treatment of patients who have chronic kidney disease allow not mere survival, but rehabilitation to normal occupations and activities;

            (3)      Treatment for persons with kidney disease is very expensive and continues throughout a person's life;

            (4)      Private insurance coverage for kidney disease treatment is difficult to obtain; and

            (5)      Individuals who receive State benefits for kidney disease treatment should be responsible for bearing some of the cost of that care taking into account their ability to pay.

      (b)      (1)      This State recognizes its responsibilities:

                  (i)      To allow its citizens to keep their health without being made paupers; and

                  (ii)      To use its resources and organization to aid in gathering and giving out information on the treatment of chronic kidney disease.

            (2)      The General Assembly seeks to meet these responsibilities by making the treatment of chronic kidney disease easily available through the education, treatment, and reimbursement programs under this subtitle, thus, lowering the cost of this treatment.