See if you qualify to enroll in health coverage now. The application is available daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
See if you qualify to enroll in health coverage now. The application is available daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Interested in finding a health plan? Congrats! Picking a health plan can be complicated. Before diving in, here are some questions you should consider.
What type of plan is it?
Maryland Health Connection offers private health plans from insurance companies you’ll recognize, like CareFirst and Kaiser Permanente. All plans have been certified by Maryland Health Connection to meet certain standards and offer core health benefits. These health plans cover at least 60 percent of your annual medical costs.
All plans sold through Maryland Health Connection cover the same benefits:
Doctor visits
Hospitalization
Emergency care
Maternity and newborn care
Pediatric care, including dental and vision
Prescription drugs
Laboratory tests
Mental health care
Substance use disorder treatment
and offer free preventative services such as checkups, vaccinations, blood pressure and diabetes screenings, and more. Some plans offer additional benefits.
How much is the premium?
The premium is the monthly amount that must be paid for your health insurance or plan. You and/or your employer usually pay it monthly, quarterly or yearly. Depending on the type of plan and the amount of coverage you choose, the cost can vary drastically.
How much is the deductible?
The deductible is the amount you owe for covered health care services before your health insurance or plan begins to pay. Generally, plans with lower monthly premiums have higher deductibles. Plans with higher monthly premiums usually have lower deductibles. With a $1,000 deductible, for example, you pay the first $1,000 of covered services. After you pay your deductible, you usually pay only a copayment or coinsurance for covered services. Your insurance company pays the rest.
Are my preferred doctors and hospitals in my network?
If you have favorite doctors or hospitals, it is always a good idea to call and ask which insurance plans they accept. If they do not take your insurance, they are considered out of network. Some plans cover a percentage toward out-of-network providers, and some do not cover them at all.
Do I qualify for financial help?
This past year, the average Maryland Health Connection customer buying private health insurance saved $388 a month on their monthly premium. That’s money you can save or use to cover other important costs in your life.
Many Marylanders ages 18-37 can get special discounts for 2025 health plans — on top of other savings available through Maryland Health Connection. For example, a 27-year-old living in Baltimore City who makes $50,000 a year will pay a monthly premium of $171 for the lowest cost gold plan. A 27-year-old living in Baltimore City who makes $25,000 a year will pay $0 a month for the lowest cost silver plan.
Use this tool to calculate your income and see if you qualify.
Medicaid and MCHP provide health coverage free or at a low cost to eligible individuals.
Need help or have questions?
Hundreds of trained experts are available throughout Maryland to help you apply and enroll. Find help near you.