Maryland State Health Insurance: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re a resident of Maryland, you have the option of purchasing health insurance through the state’s health insurance marketplace. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Maryland state health insurance, from who’s eligible to the different plans available.

Who’s eligible for Maryland state health insurance?

Residents of Maryland who don’t have access to health insurance through their employer or Medicare are eligible to purchase health insurance through the state’s marketplace. If your income is within a certain range, you may also be eligible for financial assistance to help pay for your insurance premiums.

To be eligible for financial assistance, you must be a legal resident of the United States and not be incarcerated. You’ll also need to provide documentation of your income, such as tax returns or pay stubs.

What plans are available?

Maryland offers a variety of health insurance plans through its marketplace. These plans are categorized into metal levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The metal level determines how much you’ll pay in monthly premiums versus how much you’ll pay out-of-pocket for healthcare services.

Bronze plans have the lowest monthly premiums but the highest out-of-pocket costs, while Platinum plans have the highest monthly premiums but the lowest out-of-pocket costs. Silver and Gold plans fall somewhere in between.

Within each metal level, there are several different plans to choose from. You’ll want to compare the different plans’ benefits, networks, and costs to determine which one is best for you and your family.

What’s covered under Maryland state health insurance?

All health insurance plans offered through Maryland’s marketplace must cover the ten essential health benefits required by the Affordable Care Act:

• Ambulatory patient services
• Emergency services
• Hospitalization
• Mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment
• Prescription drugs
• Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices
• Laboratory services
• Preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management
• Pediatric services, including oral and vision care
• Maternity and newborn care

Some plans may also cover additional benefits, such as chiropractic care or acupuncture. Be sure to read the plan details carefully to understand what’s covered.

FAQ

How do I enroll in Maryland state health insurance?

You can enroll in Maryland state health insurance through the state’s health insurance marketplace. Open enrollment typically runs from November 1 to December 15, but you may be eligible to enroll outside of that timeframe if you experience a qualifying life event, such as losing your job or getting married.

Can I get financial assistance to help pay for my insurance premiums?

If your income is within a certain range, you may be eligible for financial assistance to help pay for your insurance premiums. You’ll need to provide documentation of your income, such as tax returns or pay stubs.

What if I already have health insurance through my employer?

If you have access to health insurance through your employer, you’re not eligible to purchase health insurance through Maryland’s marketplace. However, if your employer’s insurance doesn’t meet certain requirements, you may be able to purchase additional coverage through the marketplace.

Will I be penalized if I don’t have health insurance?

As of 2019, there’s no longer a federal penalty for not having health insurance. However, Maryland has implemented its own individual mandate, which requires residents to have health insurance or pay a penalty.

What happens if I move out of state?

If you move out of Maryland, you’ll need to enroll in health insurance through your new state’s marketplace or through your employer, if applicable. You may also be eligible for a special enrollment period if you experience a qualifying life event, such as moving or getting married.

Conclusion

Enrolling in health insurance can feel overwhelming, but Maryland’s marketplace makes it easy to compare plans and find the one that’s right for you. With a variety of plans to choose from and financial assistance available, there’s no reason not to prioritize your health and wellbeing. Just be sure to read the plan details carefully and understand what’s covered.