The Senate Finance Committee today will hear SB 530, the Consumer Health Open Insurance Coverage Act of 2006, sponsored by Sen. E.J. Pipkin (R-Dist. 36). This legislation would create the Maryland Health Insurance Exchange, within the Maryland Health Care Commission, to provide employers, employees and individuals a choice of health insurance plans. The Maryland Chamber supports the concept of this legislation, which would change the direction of Maryland health insurance market to be more consumer-driven.

Current state laws have produced a health insurance system that offers limited competition, little choice for employers and employees, and escalating costs. Recent legislation enacted by the General Assembly continues to head in the wrong direction, with more employer mandates and more mandated health benefits that add to the cost of health insurance.

“We endorse efforts to move to a system where employers can contribute to the purchase of health insurance and individuals take greater responsibility for their health care choices,” said Ron Wineholt, the Maryland Chamber’s Vice President for Government Affairs. “We believe that consumer directed health care is essential to bringing health care costs under control.”