(a) A carrier may offer a catastrophic plan in the individual market in accordance with the requirements of this section. (b) A catastrophic plan may be offered only to individuals who: (1) are under the age of 30 years before the beginning of the plan year; or (2) hold certification for a hardship exemption or an affordability exemption as required in subsection (c) of this section. (c) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, to be offered a catastrophic plan, an individual shall hold certification for a hardship exemption or an affordability exemption under 42 U.S.C. § 5000A. (2) If the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange adopts regulations as described under subsection (d) of this section, an individual shall hold certification for a hardship exemption or an affordability exemption under the regulations adopted by the Exchange. (d) To the extent necessary, the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange shall adopt regulations that: (1) establish a process for issuing hardship exemptions and affordability exemptions; and (2) are consistent with 42 U.S.C. § 5000A and any corresponding federal rules and guidance as those provisions were in effect December 1, 2019. g hardship exemptions and affordability exemptions; and (2) are consistent with 42 U.S.C. § 5000A and any corresponding federal rules and guidance as those provisions were in effect December 1, 2019. (e) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a catastrophic plan shall provide coverage for essential health benefits. (2) A catastrophic plan shall require a deductible that: (i) is equal to the annual limit on cost–sharing described in § 15–1A–19 of this subtitle; (ii) applies to essential health benefits; (iii) does not apply to at least three primary care visits each plan year; and (iv) does not apply to any covered benefits for which a deductible is prohibited under this title.
Maryland Legal Code