David J. Cooney

The meeting focused on updates regarding the initiative to incorporate insurance education within K-12, community colleges, and universities. Key discussions included the progress in Harford County, which introduced an insurance pathway with over 200 students and provided one-day exposure opportunities at insurance companies. Updates were provided on collaboration with Loyola University to introduce a risk management and insurance program starting in September 2026. Work in Baltimore County and City to advance youth apprenticeship programs was mentioned. Progress at the community college level, including an introductory course at CCBC and an Associate of Arts degree in risk management and insurance at Warwick Community College, was reviewed. The discussion emphasized the need to introduce students to the insurance industry early to encourage enrollment in two-year or four-year programs. The committee also discussed opportunities for internships and apprenticeships, noting that February is the 11th annual Insurance Career Month, with plans to share relevant promotional materials soon. The presentation by Dr. Austin Hill highlighted Career Connected Learning (CCL) options in Baltimore City Schools, focusing on internships, apprenticeships (including the Apprenticeship Maryland program requiring 450 work hours), and Industry Recognized Credentials (IRCs), noting that property and casualty credentials were recently submitted for approval. The goal aligns with the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, aiming for 45% of graduating seniors to complete a youth apprenticeship or receive an IRC by 2030.

The sixth public meeting of the Network Advocacy Work Group convened to consider revisions to the 2017 regulations establishing carrier network efficiency standards. Discussions focused on Regulation 05, specifically revisions to travel distance standards. Key clarifications included the requirement for carriers to analyze how public transportation usage impacts travel distance analysis and the goal of gathering data on how carriers address these access issues without establishing a new standard. The definition for outpatient infusion chemotherapy metric was broadened to include any authorized setting or provider. Stakeholders presented comments, highlighting the need for greater granularity for substance use disorder (SUD) providers and strongly supporting the requirement for a specific 30 percent Essential Community Provider (ECP) inclusion standard for SUD providers to ensure fair contract negotiations. One presenter detailed severe under-reimbursement issues from a commercial carrier for essential substance use disorder services, including assessments, Suboxone treatment, counseling, and follow-up evaluations, urging support for the proposed ECP standards. The group deferred in-depth discussion on telehealth until the next meeting, which will heavily feature Senate Bill 3.

The seventh public meeting of the work group was convened to consider revisions to the MIA's 2017 regulations regarding network adequacy standards and reporting requirements. The primary focus of the meeting was the treatment of telehealth access in the context of network adequacy compliance, in light of Senate Bill 3, the Preserved Telehealth Access Act of 2021. Presentations were given by carriers and healthcare providers regarding telehealth utilization trends, patient and provider feedback on the telehealth experience, and barriers to access. The discussion covered synchronous (video) and asynchronous (store and forward) telehealth, remote patient monitoring, and patient satisfaction data comparing telephone, video, and in-person visits.

The fourth meeting of the workgroup focused on preparation for the report due to the general assembly on January 1st. Key discussion points included the concept of excess profits in the private passenger auto insurance sector, gathering information from other states regarding excess profit laws, and determining the workgroup's stance on recommending such a statute. There was consensus on increasing transparency by committing to annual reporting on 10-year profitability data to the general assembly and making it publicly available. Discussions also covered trends in premium rate increases, factors contributing to these increases such as liability dynamics, auto repair costs, electric vehicle uptake, and severity of weather events. A recent report from highway safety advocates regarding state driving laws, including driver licensing and seat belt laws, was introduced for consideration in the final report.

The meeting centered on key updates and planned legislative actions concerning the life and health insurance sector. Discussion included updates on key activities and preparations for the 2026 legislative session. Specific agenda items covered the intended update of the consumer complaints portal, requiring industry input and testing, similar to the prior ECTS introduction. Updates were provided on various work groups, including the Maryland Health Insurance Coverage Protection Commission, which awaits final appointments, and the work group studying adverse decisions in the state health care system, which intends to submit its report by December 1, 2026. Further, discussions focused on the PBM work group established by House Bill 813 of 2025, examining insurance issues like ORISA preemption, specialty drug coverage, anti-steering, and reimbursement, with a draft interim report circulated for edits. The report on mental health parody and QTLs was completed. Significant time was dedicated to legislative proposals for 2026, including updating SHOP enrollment periods to align with federal standards, codifying federal requirements for mental health and substance use disorder parity enforcement into state law to protect consumers despite potential federal enforcement changes, proposals to improve notification processes for material provider network changes (including 90-day notice before provider removal and special enrollment periods for significant network changes), creating guaranteed issue options for individuals losing full Medicaid or certain Medicare savings plans, and broadening the scope of violations for which Third Party Administrators (TPAs) can be penalized or have their registration revoked. Finally, regulatory considerations included drafting new provider directory regulations based on periodic review standards, the decision not to mandate 90-day directory reviews based on the No Surprises Act, and evaluation of using CAQH data for directory updates. A public meeting was held concerning level-funded plans, focusing on sales materials and disclosure adequacy for small employers.