{"data":{"id":"us-md/md.-code-insurance-15-1a-18","jurisdiction":"us-md","citation":"Md. Code, Insurance § 15–1A–18","heading":"","body":"(a) A carrier may offer a catastrophic plan in the individual market in accordance with the requirements of this section.\n(b) A catastrophic plan may be offered only to individuals who:\n(1) are under the age of 30 years before the beginning of the plan year; or\n(2) hold certification for a hardship exemption or an affordability exemption as required in subsection (c) of this section.\n(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.\n(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.\n(d) To the extent necessary, the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange shall adopt regulations that:\n(1) establish a process for issuing hardship exemptions and affordability exemptions; and\n(2) are consistent with 42 U.S.C. § 5000A and any corresponding federal rules and guidance as those provisions were in effect December 31, 2024.\n(e) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a catastrophic plan shall provide coverage for essential health benefits.\n(2) A catastrophic plan shall require a deductible that:\n(i) is equal to the annual limit on cost–sharing described in § 15–1A–19 of this subtitle;\n(ii) applies to essential health benefits;\n(iii) does not apply to at least three primary care visits each plan year; and\n(iv) does not apply to any covered benefits for which a deductible is prohibited under this title.","path":["Article - Insurance"],"source_url":"https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gin\u0026section=15-1A-18","current_through":"2026-01-01","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-14T19:59:28Z","sha256":"075c85e574879023dc2c5696f5978cc658874ef6a84b856229a7b0e0533272c2","source_id":"us-md","stale":false,"prev":"us-md/md.-code-insurance-15-1a-17","next":"us-md/md.-code-insurance-15-1a-19"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}