E.__Payments by tobacco product manufacturers to the State in settlement of claims brought against them by the State.

§6923.__Reports

1.__Annual report.__By January 1st of each year, the board shall submit to the Governor and to the Legislature an annual report of the agency's operations and activities during the previous year and the funding, tax and budget status of the plan.

2.__Public information.__The board may publish and disseminate information helpful to the citizens of this State in making informed choices in obtaining health care in conjunction with the Bureau of Health.

Sec. 3. Report. By January 1, 2004, the Health Security Board shall report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over human services matters on options for coordination of the Maine Single-payor Health Care Plan with other health care plans and options for the Maine Single-payor Health Care Plan to take over coverage of some persons on those other health care plans, with the plans to take effect January 1, 2005.

SUMMARY

This bill establishes the Maine Single-payor Health Care Plan. It establishes the Agency of Health Security as an independent agency to administer the plan. Under the plan, enrollees choose their own health care providers and the plan pays their bills. Coverage under the plan is supplemental to other coverage. The bill requires a report from the Health Security Board to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over human services matters on the options for coordination of the plan with other health care plans and for the plan to take over coverage of some persons covered by those health care plans. The bill requires an annual report from the board to the Governor and the Legislature on the operation and activities of the plan.