While Maryland has historically had a low percentage of uninsured individuals, it is among the states that saw the greatest reduction percentage of uninsured from 2013 to 2014 when Obamacare’s key provisions took effect and subsidies became available.
Maryland is among the states that both operates its own state-based Obamacare exchange and expanded Medicaid. The state’s health insurance landscape also includes ACA-compliant individual and family health insurance plans sold in the private marketplace, such as those available through HealthCare.org.
Maryland and the Affordable Care Act
Maryland Health Connection is the state-based Health Insurance Marketplace. When individuals and families obtain coverage through this exchange, they may qualify for income-based financial assistance in the form of premium tax credits and cost-sharing subsidies.
Those who are not eligible for tax credits and subsidies may explore ACA-compliant health plans available in the private marketplace. Health insurance quotes are available at HealthCare.org, where consumers can also buy short term health insurance, supplemental health insurance, dental insurance and Medicare supplement plans.
Maryland employers with 50 or fewer full-time employees can offer healthcare benefits through its Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) and may be eligible for tax credits to help pay employee premium costs.
Medicaid expansion in Maryland
Maryland has expanded Medicaid to single, low-income adults ages 19 to 64 that earn up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level. More information about Medicaid is available at https://www.marylandhealthconnection.gov/en/medicaid-basics-benefits/.
Maryland CHIP
The Maryland Children’s Health Insurance Program provides health insurance benefits to eligible children up to age 19.
