Regulations were published last week that will implement the wellness component of health care initiatives passed as Senate Bill 6 of the 2007 special session of the General Assembly. Two parts of that law deal with wellness programs: (1) Requiring prominent health insurance carriers to offer wellness benefits in the small group market; and (2) Requiring small employers (2 - 9 employees) to offer a wellness benefit as a prerequisite to receiving a state subsidy through the Small Employer Health Benefit Plan Premium Subsidy Program. See a copy of the regulations here.

Comments will be accepted on the regulations through May 12, 2008. Comments may be sent to Rex Cowdry, M.D., Executive Director, Maryland Health Care Commission, 4160 Patterson Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215. Call (410) 764-3460, email rcowdry@mhcc.state.md.us, or fax (410) 358-8811.

Contact Ron Wineholt for further information at rwineholt@mdchamber.org.