May27,1999

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 475.

This bill requires an HMO to reimburse an urgent care facility physician, oral surgeon, periodontist or podiatrist for providing any follow-up care related to the condition for which a covered surgical procedure was performed. This bill also prohibits an HMO from imposing any copayment or other cost-sharing requirement on the member that exceeds what the member is required to pay for services rendered by a physician who is a member of the HMO's provider panel.

House Bill 576, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me on May 27, 1999, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign Senate Bill 475.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor