Md. panel issues report on health reform

A Maryland panel has issued its final report with 16 recommendations on how to implement federal health care reform in the state.

Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, who co-chairs the panel, said Monday he will lead efforts in the upcoming legislative session to create a health insurance exchange to help residents get insurance. It also would allow individuals and small businesses to get access to federal subsidies.

The panel, called the Health Reform Coordinating Council, will operate through 2014 to monitor progress on recommendations. It will serve as an advisory body to a new Governor's Office of Health Reform, which will handle implementing health-care reform.