Maryland Health Exchange Bill Changed

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland lawmakers have made a significant change to a bill to implement federal health care reform in the state.

The House of Delegates adopted an amendment on Friday to a measure that sets up the framework for Maryland's health exchange.

The exchange is a marketplace regulated by state government that would provide insurance to the uninsured.

Under the amendment, recommendations made by the exchange's board of trustees would have to be approved by the General Assembly. Under the original bill, the board could have implemented exchange policies like types of health plans that would be offered and fees.

The bill is scheduled to come up for a final vote in the House on Saturday.

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