ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - The Latest on a Maryland proposal to change the expiring federal individual mandate for health care into a down payment for health insurance in the state (all times local):
12:05 p.m.
Maryland lawmakers want to revive the individual mandate for health care that has been gutted in Washington and turn it into a down payment for people to get insurance in the state.
State lawmakers outlined the plan Tuesday, a day before Maryland’s legislative session begins. The federal tax overhaul approved last month removed the penalty that was charged to people without health insurance.
Under the Maryland proposal, when the uninsured file 2020 state tax returns, they will receive notice that unless they would rather pay the penalty, the money would be used as a down payment for health insurance.
Supporters say more than 200,000 uninsured would be affected. They also say the proposal helps people who buy insurance directly, because it will help hold down rates.
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3:20 a.m.
Maryland lawmakers are scheduled to outline a plan on how to protect and improve the federal Affordable Care Act in Maryland.
Lawmakers will announce the plan Tuesday in Annapolis.
State Sens. Brian Feldman and Jim Rosapepe are scheduled to attend, as well as Delegate Joseline Pena-Melnyk.
Vincent DeMarco, president of the Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative, says the Affordable Care Act has been a success in Maryland, and state officials need to protect it.
Last month, the federal tax overhaul signed into law in Washington removed a penalty that was charged to people without health insurance as required by the 2010 health insurance law as a way to hold costs down for everyone.
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