6. Annual report. Beginning September 1, 2004, and annually thereafter, the board shall report on the impact of Dirigo Health on the small group and individual health insurance markets in this State and any reduction in the number of uninsured individuals in the State. The board shall also report on membership in Dirigo Health, the administrative expenses of Dirigo Health, the extent of coverage, the effect on premiums, the number of covered lives, the number of Dirigo Health Insurance Program policies issued or renewed and Dirigo Health Insurance Program premiums earned and claims incurred by health insurance carriers offering coverage under the Dirigo Health Insurance Program. The board shall submit the report to the Governor, the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over appropriations and financial affairs, the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over health insurance and financial services matters and the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over health and human services matters.

Sec. C-8. 24-A MRSA §6910, as corrected by RR 2003, c. 1, §22, is amended to read:

§6910. Dirigo Health Program

1. Dirigo Health Program. Dirigo Health shall arrange for the provision of health benefits coverage through the Dirigo Health Insurance Program not later than October 1, 2004. The Dirigo Health Insurance Program must comply with all relevant requirements of this Title. Dirigo Health Insurance Program coverage may be offered by health insurance carriers that apply to the board and meet qualifications described in this section and any additional qualifications set by the board.

2. Legislative approval of nonprofit health care plan or expansion of public plan. If health insurance carriers do not apply to offer and deliver Dirigo Health Insurance Program coverage, the board may have Dirigo Health provide access to health insurance by proposing the establishment of a nonprofit health care plan organized under Title 13-B and authorized pursuant to Title 24, chapter 19 or by proposing the expansion of an existing public plan. If the board proposes the establishment of a nonprofit health care plan or the expansion of an existing public plan, the board shall submit its proposal, including, but not limited to, a funding mechanism to capitalize a nonprofit health care plan and any recommended legislation to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over health insurance matters. Dirigo Health may not provide access to