Update on Coverage through Maryland Health Connection
With everything happening in Washington, D.C., you may have questions about what the latest news means for you and your coverage. We are monitoring any changes closely, and you can count on us to provide you with the facts.
We are with you every step of the way and will keep you updated on any changes that impact you. For now, here’s what you need to know:
- If you signed up for health insurance for 2017, you should stay covered throughout the year by continuing to pay your premium on time. It’s more important than ever to ensure you don’t have a gap in coverage.
- If you have concerns about your immigration status, current law clearly states that legal residents and those with qualifying documentation are able to purchase a plan through Maryland Health Connection. We use the information you provide in your health coverage application only to determine your eligibility for tax credits and health coverage through Maryland Health Connection.
- It’s important to know that you can still apply for health coverage through Maryland Health Connection, even if not all of your family members have an immigration status that qualifies them for coverage. Individuals who are not requesting coverage will not be asked about their immigration status.
- With tax season upon us, you still should report your health insurance status when you file. The IRS has said that for now, the rules remain the same. If you don’t have health insurance, you still may pay a fine. You can learn more by visiting www.IRS.gov.
- We will continue to keep you updated as any changes take place that may impact your coverage through Maryland Health Connection. Sign up for alerts from MarylandHealthConnection.gov/blog, and follow us on Twitter @MarylandConnect. We are committed to doing all we can to ensure quality, affordable coverage through Maryland Health Connection for the more than one in six Marylanders who now depend on it.
- We will continue to help eligible people enroll during this special enrollment period – including those who experience certain life changes like losing their job, getting married or divorced, or having a baby. If you have questions on whether you are able to enroll now, see the life eventsthat can qualify you to enroll outside of the open enrollment period, within 60 days. If you are eligible for Medicaid or MCHP, you can enroll at any time.
More than 588,000 residents currently have health insurance through Maryland Health Connection, with 9 in 10 receiving financial help to lower their costs.
Maryland has achieved an impressive drop in its uninsured rate, from 14% to about 6% in just five years. We have seen 400,000 people in the state gain coverage, including nearly 280,000 Marylanders who have free or low-cost coverage through the expansion of Medicaid.
About Maryland Health Connection
Maryland Health Connection is Maryland’s official health insurance marketplace for individuals and families to compare plans and enroll in health and dental coverage. It’s the only place to get financial help with health insurance. See if you qualify for financial help like tax credits or Medicaid/MCHP to make health insurance more affordable.
Visit MarylandHealthConnection.gov to enroll, or download our free Enroll MHC mobile app for Android and iPhone.
