May17,2001

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 807 - Health Insurance Benefit Cards, Prescription Benefit Cards, or Other Technology.

This bill requires an insurer, nonprofit health service plan, HMO, or managed care organization (carrier) that provides coverage for prescription drugs on an outpatient basis to issue a health insurance benefit card, prescription benefit card, or other technology that either complies with the standards set forth in the National Council for Prescription Drug Program's pharmacy identification card implementation guide in effect at the time of issuance of the card, or includes the following data elements: (1) the carrier's name; (2) the enrollee's name and identification number; (3) the telephone number that providers may call for pharmacy benefit assistance; and (4) all electronic transaction routing information required by the carrier to process a prescription claim electronically.

Senate Bill 686, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign House Bill 807.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor