BALTIMORE – The Maryland Health Benefit Exchange (MHBE), in conjunction with the Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA), will hold a series of hearings to receive public comment to shape Maryland’s application to the federal government for a reinsurance program. The purpose of the program is to hold down consumer cost and bring greater certainty to Maryland’s individual market for health insurance for 2019 and 2020.

Governor Larry Hogan and the Maryland General Assembly approved legislation to create a reinsurance program for the individual health insurance market beginning in 2019. The state plans to raise about $365 million through a 2.75% premium surcharge on insurance carriers. Maryland may receive additional “pass through” dollars from the federal government. Total funding for the program is projected at $462 million. If approved, the reinsurance program will hold down premium increases for plans purchased in the individual health insurance market both on and off Maryland Health Connection, the state-based marketplace.

The MHBE Board of Trustees voted on Monday to authorize MHBE to apply to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to request approval for an “innovation waiver” to create the reinsurance program under Section 1332 of the Affordable Care Act. States are required to post applications for public comment for a minimum of 30 days. Maryland-recognized tribes are encouraged to provide comment during the 30-day period.

Maryland’s draft of its 1332 State Innovation Waiver Application for a State Reinsurance Program can be viewed at MarylandHBE.com.

Four public hearings will be held on:

Thursday, April 26, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Talbot County Department of Parks and Recreation (Chesapeake Room), 10028 Ocean Gateway, Easton, MD 21601

Thursday, May 3, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the office of the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, 750 E. Pratt St., 6th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21205

Monday, May 7, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Frederick County Local Health Department, 350 Montevue Lane, Frederick, MD 21702

Thursday, May 10, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Charles County Local Health Department, 4545 Crain Highway, White Plains, MD 20695