May18,2000

The Honorable Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr.
President of the Senate
State House
Annapolis MD 21401

Dear Mr. President:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland Constitution, I have today vetoed Senate Bill 275 - Health Insurance - Preauthorized Health Care Services - Denials of Reimbursement by Carriers.

This bill prohibits an insurer, nonprofit health service plan, HMO or dental plan organization (carrier) from denying reimbursement to a health care provider for preauthorized or approved services unless: (1) fraudulent information was submitted to the carrier regarding services; (2) critical information was omitted such that the carrier's determination would have been different had the information been provided; or (3) the health care provider did not substantially follow the planned course of treatment that the carrier approved.

House Bill 304, 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 Senate Bill 275.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor