Analysis of Options to Ensure Continuity of Care: A Report to the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange Board of Trustees

Abstract

The Maryland Health Benefit Exchange Act of 2012 requires the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange (MHBE) to conduct a study and report findings and recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly on “the establishment of requirements for continuity of care in the State’s health insurance markets (2012, Md. Laws, Ch. 152).” To meet this legislative charge, the MHBE established the Continuity of Care Advisory Committee in the fall of 2012 and issued a request for proposal (RFP). The RFP sought a consultant to conduct a study evaluating options for continuity of care provisions to assist beneficiaries who may transition between coverage under Medicaid/the Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP) and qualified health plans (QHPs) offered through the MHBE. The MHBE contracted with Hilltop to conduct this study and provide staff support to the Continuity of Care Advisory Committee. The Committee, consultant, and the public worked collaboratively to develop a set of options and considerations for the MHBE Board of Trustees. The purpose of this report is to present the results of the study and summarize the Committee’s discussions and written comments to help guide the MHBE Board as it makes recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly.