(a) The Exchange or the Department, as applicable, shall make a determination of eligibility, in accordance with § 31-204 of this subtitle, for the Maryland Medical Assistance Program and, if applicable, the Maryland Children’s Health Program under this section, before determining eligibility for any other insurance affordability program.

(b) (1) If an uninsured individual is determined to be eligible for the Maryland Medical Assistance Program or the Maryland Children’s Health Program, the procedures described in this subsection and guidelines established by the Exchange, in consultation with the Department, to implement this subsection shall apply.

(2) If an uninsured individual fails to select a managed care organization plan within a period of time established by the Exchange, the Department shall assign the uninsured individual to and promptly enroll the uninsured individual in a managed care organization plan.

(3) Before the Department assigns an uninsured individual to a managed care organization plan, the uninsured individual shall receive:

(i) advance notice;

(ii) an opportunity to select another managed care organization plan within the period of time established by the Exchange; and

(iii) an opportunity to opt out of coverage.