Maryland is a Guaranteed-Issue small employer state (1-50 employees). As per the Federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) all health insurance contracts for employer-groups of 2-50 employees must be issued on a guarantee-issue basis.
All Group insurance contracts must also be guarantee-renewable, unless there is non-payment of premium, the employer has committed fraud or intentional misrepresentation or the employer has not complied with the terms of the health insurance contract.
In addition, in Maryland, carriers must guarantee issue a standardized coverage plan to self-employed individuals during an annual open enrollment period.
Small group carriers may not look-back at, consider, or make exclusions based on any preexisting conditions in Maryland.
