Paul Sanchez
Maryland Health Connection is a one-stop resource for Medicaid and private insurance. It offers free or low-cost health insurance to those who qualify. To check if you are eligible for free insurance in Maryland, you can use the Get an Estimate tool on the Maryland Health Connection website, which will ask you a few questions to determine your eligibility. Alternatively, you can connect with a broker or navigator, or contact the Maryland Health Connection call center.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to check eligibility | Look up income and household size. Pregnant women and families with children may earn more and still qualify. |
| Enrollment period | Enrollment in Medicaid and the Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP) is available all year round. |
| Cost of coverage | Preventive services are free when delivered by a provider in your plan's network. |
| Financial assistance | Financial assistance is available for those with unaffordable employer coverage or coverage that does not meet basic standards. |
| Application process | Apply through Maryland Health Connection to find out if you qualify for financial help or free coverage through Medicaid. |
| Additional resources | Connect with a broker or navigator for free help. Download the Enroll MHC mobile app to buy a health or dental plan, enroll in Medicaid/MCHP, and manage documents. |
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What You'll Learn
Check eligibility for free health insurance in Maryland
Maryland provides free or low-cost health insurance to children up to age 19 and pregnant women of any age who meet income guidelines, under the Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP). The program provides full health benefits for children under the age of 19 and pregnant women who meet the income guidelines. MCHP provides care through a variety of Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) for children under age 19 who are not eligible for Medicaid.
Medicaid, also known as Medical Assistance (MA), is a government program that provides free healthcare for millions of Americans. In Maryland, it's called Maryland HealthChoice. People who qualify are covered for many benefits and services, including doctor visits, regular checkups, and specialists. It is available to individuals and families with limited income and resources. Lawfully residing pregnant women and children under age 21 (regardless of status) are eligible for Medicaid. However, under most immigration statuses, individuals are not eligible for Medicaid until they have been lawfully in the U.S. for five years.
To check eligibility for free health insurance in Maryland, you can visit the Maryland Health Connection website or make an account and apply for a plan. You can also apply by calling the Maryland Health Benefits Exchange Consolidated Service Center at 855-642-8572 or TTY 855-642-8573. Alternatively, you can apply at your local health department or local department of social services.
Additionally, if you need help finding the best program for your needs, you can contact a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counsellor. They can help you understand costs and coverage, compare options, enrol or change plans, and correct billing issues.
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How to enrol in Medicaid
Enrollment in Medicaid and the Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP) is available all year round. You can apply over the phone by calling 1-855-642-8572, or request a paper application by calling the same number. You can also download the free Enroll MHC mobile app to enroll in Medicaid/MCHP, view notices, and upload documents from your phone or tablet.
To qualify for Medicaid, you must meet certain income requirements. If you are pregnant or have children, you may earn more and still qualify. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may get free health care for you and your baby from the start of pregnancy through four months postpartum. Retroactive coverage (up to three months before the individual’s coverage start date) is available, but this will not extend prior to the start of the pregnancy.
If you have employer coverage, you can still purchase a private health plan through Maryland Health Connection. You may be eligible for financial assistance to lower the cost of coverage if your employer coverage is considered unaffordable or if it does not meet some basic standards. Employer coverage is considered affordable if the cost you pay annually for coverage is no greater than 9.02% of your annual household income.
If you need help enrolling, you can connect with a broker or navigator, or contact the Maryland Health Connection call center.
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Financial assistance for insurance
Maryland offers various financial assistance programs to help residents with the cost of insurance. Here are some options to explore:
Medicaid and the Maryland Children's Health Insurance Program (MCHP)
Medicaid, also known as Medical Assistance (MA), provides medical coverage for low-income individuals who meet certain eligibility requirements. You can apply for Medicaid through the Maryland Health Connection, either online or by calling their toll-free number. Additionally, the MCHP uses federal and state funds to ensure that all children in Maryland have medical insurance. The program offers full health benefits for children under the age of 19 and pregnant women of any age who meet the income guidelines.
Advance Premium Tax Credits
If your income is too high to qualify for Medicaid, you may still be eligible for financial assistance through Advance Premium Tax Credits. These credits help lower your monthly health insurance premiums, ensuring they do not exceed 8.5% of your annual income.
Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program
The SLMB Program is designed for individuals with incomes between 100 and 120 percent of the poverty line and assets up to $9,090 per individual or $13,630 per couple. It covers only the Part B premium for Medicare.
Long-Term Care Medical Assistance (LTC)
The LTC program is tailored to cover the cost of nursing home care for low-income individuals who satisfy the eligibility criteria. This includes a review of the applicant's resources in the five years preceding the application.
You can download the relevant application forms for LTC and SLMB from the Maryland Department of Human Services website or submit them to your local health department or department of social services.
Additionally, insurance brokers can provide free assistance in enrolling in the best private health plan for your needs. They can guide you through the process at no cost, helping you access the financial assistance you require.
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Free health insurance for children and pregnant women
Maryland provides free health insurance to children under the age of 19 and pregnant women of any age who meet the income guidelines. This is offered under the Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP). The program provides full health benefits, including dental coverage, through a variety of Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) in the Maryland HealthChoice program. To apply for MCHP, you can do so online at https://www.marylandhealthconnection.gov/ or by calling the Maryland Health Benefits Exchange Consolidated Service Center toll-free at (855) 642-8572 or TTY (855) 642-8573. You may also apply at your local health department or local department of social services.
Enrollment in MCHP is open year-round, and individuals need to renew their coverage once a year. You can also get an estimate of coverage costs before applying for a plan. To find the best MCO for your situation, you can compare the Managed Care options available in Maryland, including the benefits, doctors, and pharmacies. The comparison chart is available in English and Spanish.
According to recent guidelines, uninsured children under the age of 19 living in a household with a modified adjusted gross income at or below 211% of the federal poverty level qualify for MCHP. Children may also qualify for a smaller monthly premium if their household income is at or below 322% of the federal poverty level for their family size.
Additionally, lawfully residing pregnant women and children under the age of 21 are eligible for Medicaid, which is another option for free or low-cost health insurance. Medicaid provides free dental coverage for children and pregnant women. To apply for Medicaid, you can use the same contact information and application methods as for MCHP.
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Insurance brokers and navigators
Insurance brokers
Authorized insurance brokers can help you choose an insurance company and health plan that meet your needs and those of your family. They can also help with any administrative problems. Insurance brokers are licensed by the Maryland Insurance Administration and authorized by Maryland Health Connection. They can help you enroll in the best private health plan for you and your family, at no cost.
Insurance navigators
Navigators deliver in-person outreach, education, and enrollment in health plans and public insurance options. They can help you determine if you qualify for cost savings for a private health plan or if you qualify for free health coverage through Medicaid. You can get one-on-one assistance from a statewide network of navigators.
Contacting brokers and navigators
You can connect with a broker or navigator by contacting the Maryland Health Connection consumer support center on 1-855-642-8572. The center is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m.– 6 p.m. and offers assistance in over 200 languages, as well as Relay for the deaf and hard of hearing. You can also download the free Enroll MHC mobile app to buy a health or dental plan, enroll in Medicaid/MCHP, and more.
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Frequently asked questions
You can check if you qualify for free insurance in Maryland by looking up your income and household size. If you are pregnant or have children, you may earn more and still qualify. You can also apply for Medicaid through the Maryland Health Connection to see if you qualify for free healthcare.
The Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP) provides free healthcare for children up to the age of 19 and pregnant women of any age who meet income guidelines. Dental coverage is also provided for free for children and pregnant women under MCHP.
You can enrol in a health plan by applying through the Maryland Health Connection. You can also download the Enroll MHC mobile app to buy a health or dental plan, enrol in Medicaid/MCHP, and view notices. Alternatively, you can contact a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counsellor or an insurance broker for free assistance.
