[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6640652,"mediaKeyId","2549786-d6fa9e9b5de6779474b0541c649f3a51","parentId",2549786,"title","Panel backs bill to let Maryland small employers access large-group health plans through PEOs","audioSeconds",2304,"startMs",142000,"endMs",2446000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2549786-d6fa9e9b5de6779474b0541c649f3a51&start=142&end=2446","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2549786-d6fa9e9b5de6779474b0541c649f3a51/thumbnail_142000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6640652/Maryland/Panel-backs-bill-to-let-Maryland-small-employers-access-large-group-health-plans-through-PEOs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6640652-110cc2ea7208cb161bf848df7f412e54/orig.mp4?Expires=1770397648&Signature=JJjjsSexyzB8Km0mO9s79THVOfd~yjWQgVvCSiPVDF2aOmBR8xIDVQQrI9i5r-lHzO023FvrNnOceOkBxBc4UOSWcRrbGdHMqPSgIOtaNe7J4YCccblTRoKsPV93-gKHr~qq08roXBcJMXdHs-4lRzVm5jeFOSNA87RqpRPqxv0VH6rFNNTNYOVEDPMtW3lk0EV486KQoPneJsfPbLD~flSO2CdEGkenQWVNew6XEU~ZmPDikHIGxiAybp5g~BIeCye2PTUjxj-9yA6zJw2SAsWWo78wsilNTdQ4jhBX3tvmloGLyzYnk2S7ev6K-dF1JeDYHycBDZ4kgxcPzSaghA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Maryland General Assembly - Health and Government Operations","date","2025-03-11T21:53:46.207Z","article","House Health and Government Operations Committee Chair Jocelyn Pena Milnick and members heard testimony on House Bill 1439 on March 19, a bill from Delegate Lily Chi that would permit small employers with fewer than 50 workers to access large-group health plans through professional employer organizations, or PEOs.

Delegate Lily Chi, sponsor of HB 1439, told the committee the proposal is voluntary for employers and “would allow small businesses with under 50 employees to have the same health benefits offered to their workers as larger employers through professional employer organizations.” She referred to a Maryland Insurance Administration study submitted in January finding “no conclusive data to draw a direct causation between allowing small businesses to purchase large group health insurance through PEOs and a harmful effect on the small group market.”

Supporters — including the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO), brokers and several small-business representatives — urged the committees to approve the bill as a tool to reduce costs and expand benefits. Caitlin McDonough of NAPEO said plans available through PEOs would remain ACA-compliant and “this doesn't prohibit an employee from opting in to get their own individual coverage through the exchange.” Ari Winn of Benefit Mall said PEO-sponsored plans often offer “rich plans” with “low co-pays, lower deductibles” and national networks useful for multi-state employers. Kenneth Sanchez, a Maryland business owner, said PEOs could “pull these smaller firms into larger risk groups to slash health insurance costs and deliver big company benefits.”

Speakers representing insurance agents and advisors supported the bill with amendments. Bryson Popham of the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals said he supports the concept but proposed that the Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) conduct an ongoing study and report on any impact to the small group market to monitor for adverse selection. Brett Leininger of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors urged added disclosures and contract flexibility so employers can cancel a health-insurance portion of a PEO contract with notice.

Committee members questioned how carriers would be regulated when plans under a PEO include employees who live in multiple states. McDonough and panelists told the committee carriers offering coverage would still be licensed and regulated in Maryland when they do business in the state. Several members pressed for transparency on contracting, pharmacy benefit manager arrangements, and the exchange of claims or underwriting data when small employers join larger pooled arrangements.

No formal action or vote on the bill was recorded during the hearing. Witnesses offered competing proposals for amendments — including sunset or study provisions — and committee members repeatedly urged stronger disclosure language and regulatory reporting requirements to protect the existing small-group market.

The committee concluded the HB 1439 hearing and moved on to other bills on the docket. The bill remains under committee consideration.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","HGO Committee Session, 3/11/2025 #1","oneSentenceSummary","House Health and Government Operations Committee Chair Jocelyn Pena Milnick and members heard testimony on House Bill 1439 on March 19, a bill from Delegate Lily Chi that would permit small employers with fewer than 50 workers to access large-group health plans through professional employer organizations, or PEOs.","taxTitle","Health and Government Operations Committee, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative, Maryland","taxId",15061,"location","Maryland","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6640638,"Civil-rights groups back bill to bar state procurement conditions tied to foreign-country boycotts",339,5085000,5424000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2549786-d6fa9e9b5de6779474b0541c649f3a51&start=5085&end=5424","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2549786-d6fa9e9b5de6779474b0541c649f3a51/thumbnail_5085000.jpg","/articles/6640638/Maryland/Civil-rights-groups-back-bill-to-bar-state-procurement-conditions-tied-to-foreign-country-boycotts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6640638-1ab1b622f24a095e6ecea43f1d069827/orig.mp4?Expires=1770397648&Signature=HHlTk9z7tCNoZwOISLjplCLZBpRWMOX5Ck7qparuMY4UjvmaPhCA54uh8QA3-AEDDpajOMbB5kI0RYEodlALS7ZesO7QiezFGOLXTM2Z48b57OQh4DR3UVlEtSwWTlw5rZECi3GqyfQxZC-nUvYPnM6rhfFcdzdxwgOOuY8ngHdG6b~rf3BnP7C4yrALBU1bFarqTfWPw~O8PLlrg3XsIKZGL2cp7a9R0dD1GvPeNszAo4e60esK2ZFlbQ13O~LhB~~5rqWA19gNIEic6S3RMLzpn4k-~vDQEWfu3U-C4zUuBlprUV~DgoPN818jwRapaa0cszv8Yy9ete7jeSfJLg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","On March 19 the Health and Government Operations Committee heard testimony on House Bill 1460, a measure to bar the State of Maryland from conditioning procurement on certifications that contractors do not participate in boycotts of foreign countries.

Representatives of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) urged the committee to pass the bill. A CAIR speaker said the measure would “prohibit the state of Maryland from unconstitutionally requiring certifications related to boycotts of foreign countries as a condition for procurement contracts.” Robert McCaw, government affairs director for CAIR, told the committee that an existing executive order dating to 2017 requires contractors to certify they are not participating in certain boycotts and that such a requirement conflicts with First Amendment protections. He invoked U.S. Supreme Court precedent, saying the right to boycott is “protected by the Constitution” and cited NAACP v. Claiborne Hardware Co. as support.

CAIR framed the bill as protecting free-speech rights and enabling individuals and businesses to take political positions without losing eligibility for state contracts. Witnesses told the committee many prospective testifiers had scheduling constraints for religious observance and that the committee was accommodating those witnesses.

No lawmakers recorded a committee vote during the testimony. Committee members said they planned to continue consideration of the measure; CAIR indicated it would be available for follow-up as the committee refines language and considers Executive Order 010121725 (referenced by the witnesses) in the record.","House Bill 1460 would prohibit Maryland agencies from requiring contractors to certify they do not participate in boycotts of foreign countries. Civil-rights and Muslim advocacy groups told the committee the measure protects First Amendment rights; sponsors cited an executive order and Supreme Court precedent.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6640643,"Bill to create home-care provider directory draws support from advocates and mixed reaction from agencies",1378,3621000,4999000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2549786-d6fa9e9b5de6779474b0541c649f3a51&start=3621&end=4999","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2549786-d6fa9e9b5de6779474b0541c649f3a51/thumbnail_3621000.jpg","/articles/6640643/Maryland/Bill-to-create-home-care-provider-directory-draws-support-from-advocates-and-mixed-reaction-from-agencies","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6640643-379f96cc24eebb3146d03c14c9cd51b5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770397648&Signature=Ql4uC8~GBf-mgHfUq4VKQMobl6Jk5ZhNW~mtWMqVCw0IhJgapNAS9iES1hdG2WHllD7v3QQrcqqzt6BUNU-cQQ0eyUrp6KTBi8-5xqXXraDnAv3POkkcaVDRZowg5jMyDmh-VWLZpXr1hcAL5xffDwnaW-nCSr59f7ZROuWTE1GkbxmQIVkI6gkvccrgKYt7CvjNJG9DqquIKDVUuWSRMOSEWgUaveIcE-YMCAkYXo92yo6C4QxUY~zjamAZec~b0zbGDJtTRb6jGdY~a0rInFhrpA7Llsh900gwVB3YxJaujLd--HdF2ANqSZxsAf2zVjh8V267y4R1pwj17LIUJQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Delegate Terry Hill introduced House Bill 1478 on March 19, proposing a statewide home-care provider directory to help consumers and caregivers find direct-support professionals and other home-care workers.

Terry Hill told the Health and Government Operations Committee the directory would expand on existing local tools and allow independent providers to list skills, languages and capabilities so families and disabled or older Marylanders could more easily match workers to needs. \"Finding the right home care provider ... is a difficult thing to do,\" Hill said, and a directory would ease that search.

Supporters included the Alzheimer's Association, which said the measure would “bolster access to our home and community based services” and suggested a low-cost spreadsheet start modeled on Howard County. Lorraine Arikot of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East told the committee that the workforce is large and fragmented and a directory would help fill job openings and improve continuity of care. Disability Rights Maryland's Sandy Balin cited the U.S. Supreme Court's Olmstead v. LC decision and said a directory would preserve choice and reduce institutionalization risk.

Families and self-directed services participants testified about the difficulty of finding suitable workers. Rob Stone, a disability advocate, told the committee, \"Finding a direct support professional or DSP whose skills match my needs should not be a matter of chance.\" Medical providers such as Matam Shookman, medical director at Johns Hopkins in-home primary care, said quality of in-home care determines whether patients can safely age in place.

Residential service agencies (RSAs) raised concerns. Dana Kaufman of the Maryland National Capital Home Care Association said RSAs are licensed by the Maryland Department of Health and objected to a requirement that agencies publish employee-level lists; she recommended an approach that lists RSAs and lets consumers contact agencies directly. Committee members asked about existing MDH provider-finder resources and state Medicaid enrollment systems used for billing and electronic visit verification; witnesses said current tools do not include independent, non-agency workers and recommended starting with a low-cost shared spreadsheet.

The committee ended the HB 1478 hearing without a vote. Sponsors and stakeholders indicated they would continue negotiating amendments to address RSA privacy and regulatory concerns while preserving a searchable resource for consumers.","House Bill 1478 would establish a searchable directory of home-care providers and direct-care workers. Disability advocates, unions and healthcare providers supported the measure as a tool to improve care matching; residential service agencies raised privacy and operational concerns and urged amendments.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6640648,"Committee hears emotional appeals on long-term Lyme treatment, insurers oppose mandate",1067,2497000,3564000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2549786-d6fa9e9b5de6779474b0541c649f3a51&start=2497&end=3564","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2549786-d6fa9e9b5de6779474b0541c649f3a51/thumbnail_2497000.jpg","/articles/6640648/Maryland/Committee-hears-emotional-appeals-on-long-term-Lyme-treatment-insurers-oppose-mandate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6640648-db11bd4c3a05b660d0f9d94c78cb2d48/orig.mp4?Expires=1770397648&Signature=EVwWtEcXtIYAb7e51GsK6lkNvmfVR7RxDduMo-4XS5ycPLgtmzun4x6ahsZSBJwXhl0A~vftkQq4k-dbUjajp22P-lpX~OShzUz8RthNCvEG56lhglw~aQlABKosyEmdibiwmmUtuUAIrDKRh62umuz-tHUAMC5w76UJUhNWbV-vRcpu6KjlcpCK6uaCNiAMChC8JYvaAAbgtEJ08CC~wkf8Cnd3VY7OeWSPiJ4WDJpb9AkTdYC5OVsXRXgGUKlwt56HirTTi9C6XjFTV-NEANS0uBB~HpFpMVwStd8zPpHxQizqQ-3LY9KPtBUoYxt1P~vEXLI4czt3sM2MqUHRrA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Delegate Howard presented House Bill 1268 to the Health and Government Operations Committee on March 19, asking insurers, the Department of Health and lawmakers to approve coverage for long-term antibiotic treatment of Lyme disease and related tick-borne illnesses.

Sponsor Delegate Howard said the bill would require “insurers, nonprofit health service plans, and health maintenance organizations, carriers, to provide specified coverage for long term antibiotic treatment of Lyme disease and related tick borne illnesses,” and that carriers may not deny coverage “solely because the treatment may be categorized as unproven, experimental, or investigational in nature.” He noted the bill has received unfavorable reports from the Department of Health and the Life and Health Insurers of Maryland in prior years but said patients are suffering and need access to treatment.

Multiple witnesses who identified as patients or family members described prolonged illness and high out-of-pocket costs for extended treatment. A 17-year-old witness, Brianna, said she is “in remission from Lyme disease” but continues to experience monthly flares and that her family exhausted savings paying for care. Another parent described a daughter who at times could not walk and said long-term antibiotic regimens were required but not covered by insurance. Alan Burdette testified he spent about $10,000 out of pocket over a year for treatment that brought improvement.

An online physician witness, identified as practicing in New York, told the committee that while physicians in his state can prescribe treatments as they see fit, reimbursement by insurers varies and that intravenous antibiotic therapy can be costly. Delegate Howard highlighted that five other states — Connecticut, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Illinois and Pennsylvania — have enacted similar coverage measures, and he urged a favorable report.

Committee members did not register a formal vote during the hearing. Several expressed sympathy for patients but also noted repeated unfavorable testimony from insurers and uncertainty about fiscal impacts. The bill hearing concluded without immediate committee action; witnesses were directed to submit written materials.","House Bill 1268 would require carriers to cover long-term antibiotic treatment for Lyme disease and related tick-borne illnesses. Patients and advocates urged passage; insurers and state agencies previously issued unfavorable reports and fiscal concerns were raised.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Panel backs bill to let Maryland small employers access large-group health plans through PEOs

Civil-rights groups back bill to bar state procurement conditions tied to foreign-country boycotts

Bill to create home-care provider directory draws support from advocates and mixed reaction from agencies

Committee hears emotional appeals on long-term Lyme treatment, insurers oppose mandate