H.__To simplify the health care system for consumers, businesses and providers;

I.__To ensure providers clinical freedom to treat patients based on health care needs and criteria; and

J.__To ensure accountability in all aspects of the health care system to promote public confidence and control of costs.

2. Eligibility for Maine Health Care Plan.__In accordance with this subsection, residents and nonresidents are eligible to receive covered health care services from participating providers under the plan within this State if the service is necessary or appropriate for the prevention, diagnosis or treatment of, or maintenance or rehabilitation following, injury, disability or disease.__The agency shall adopt rules regarding payment of premium, application for a plan card and membership in the plan.__ Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.__The rules must provide for at least the following.

A.__Each resident of the State is eligible to receive health care under the plan and may enroll in the plan.

B.__A nonresident of the State who maintains significant contact with the State, including employment or self- employment within the State or attendance at a college, university or other institution of higher education in the State, is eligible to receive health care under the plan.__ Eligibility extends to a person qualifying under this paragraph and to that person's spouse and dependents.__The agency shall adopt rules establishing criteria for eligibility for nonresidents and determine the premium to be paid by them and the method of payment.

C.__A plan member who ceases to be eligible for the plan may elect, within 60 days of the event that causes ineligibility, to continue participation in the plan for a period of up to 18 months.__For the purposes of this paragraph, a plan member is considered to have lost eligibility due to disability if the member could be determined disabled under the federal Social Security Act, Title II or Title XVI.__The agency shall ensure that plan members who become ineligible for enrollment in the plan are promptly notified of the provisions of this paragraph.__ The