Maryland Bill Would Impose Individual Health Insurance Mandates (Baltimore Jewish Life)
Wednesday Feb 21st, 2018
Maryland lawmakers are considering their own version of the Affordable Care Act.
A coalition of legislators, health care advocates, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and clergy are backing bills to stabilize the individual insurance market. One bill that's getting the most attention would create an individual mandate. Residents without insurance would face a $700 fine or use that money for a down payment to purchase insurance.
Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen said people are worried about the federal health care changes.
"They are scared that they'll be denied insurance because of pre-existing conditions, which, by the way, we all have them. They are things like migraines, depression, diabetes. Our residents are terrified," Wen said.