Sec. 1. 5 MRSA §12004-G, sub-§14-D is enacted to read:

14-D. Health Expenses 24-A MRSA

Health Security Only §6903

Security Board

Sec. 2. 24-A MRSA c. 87 is enacted to read:

CHAPTER 87

MAINE SINGLE-PAYOR HEALTH CARE PLAN

§6901.__Definitions

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

1.__Board.__"Board" means the Health Security Board as established in Title 5, section 12004-G, subsection 14-D.

2.__Plan.__"Plan" means the Maine Single-payor Health Care Plan.

3.__Plan enrollee.__"Plan enrollee" means a person enrolled in the plan.

4.__Provider.__"Provider" means any person, organization, corporation or association that provides health care services or products and is authorized or licensed to provide those services and products under the laws of this State.

5.__Resident.__"Resident" means a person who resides within the State.

§6902.__Maine Single-payor Health Care Plan established

1. Plan established.__There is established the Maine Single- payor Health Care Plan to provide health care coverage to all residents through a plan that emphasizes quality, cost containment, choice of provider and access to comprehensive and preventive care.

2.__Implementation and operation of plan. Coverage under the plan must be available to residents beginning January 1, 2005.__ Before the plan begins offering coverage, the board must develop recommendations for the implementation and administration of the plan and the Legislature must approve the recommendations in accordance with section 6903, subsections 2 and 3.