May18,2000

The Honorable Casper R. Taylor, Jr.
Speaker of the House
State House
Annapolis MD 21401

Dear Mr. Speaker:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland Constitution, I have today vetoed House Bill 1068 - Health Insurance - Notice of Health Care Providers on Carrier's Provider Panel.

This bill requires a health insurer, nonprofit health service plan, HMO, or dental plan organization (carrier) to provide to an enrollee at the time of initial enrollment a printed list of providers on the carrier's provider panel and printed information on providers that are no longer accepting new patients. A carrier must also make available to prospective enrollees and notify each enrollee at the time of renewal about how to obtain the same information on the Internet and in printed form.

Senate Bill 455, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me on May 11, 2000, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign House Bill 1068.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor