Pursuant to SB 632 (2022), MHBE convened “a workgroup to study and make recommendations relating to the establishment of a Small Business and Nonprofit Health Insurance Subsidies Program to provide subsidies to small businesses and nonprofit employers and their employees for the purchase of health benefit plans.” MHBE submitted the workgroup’s findings and recommendations in the form of a report to the Governor, Senate Finance Committee, and House Health and Government Operations Committee. 

The workgroup members included:

• Individuals from the small business and nonprofit community, including owners, employers, and employees;
• Health insurance carrier representatives;
• Licensed health insurance producers; and
• Representatives of business, nonprofit, consumer advocacy, and other organizations.

The workgroup studied:

• The health insurance coverage needs of small employers, nonprofit employers, and their employees;
• Objectives and target metrics for the Program;
• The optimal scope and design features of a Small Business and Nonprofit Health Insurance Subsidies Program, including:
  • Whether subsidies under the Program should be available for the purchase of qualified health plans offered to small employers on the Exchange and the purchase of health benefit plans offered to small employers outside the Exchange;
  • Subsidy eligibility and payment parameters for the Program;
  • The administrative structure and infrastructure investments required for implementation of the Program, including any requirements for the Exchange, health insurance carriers, and any other entities involved in the implementation of the Program; and
  • The duration of the Program;
• The cost to administer the Program, including the cost to provide subsidies and operational costs; and
• The sources and levels of funding needed to support the Program.

Workgroup Charter
Final Report to the Legislature
Supplemental Letter to Maryland Legislature