A Call To Action For Men!

2020 PLANS AND PRICES READY TO VIEW NOW AT MARYLANDHEALTHCONNECTION.GOV

Marylanders can now view plans and prices for 2020 health coverage on MarylandHealthConnection.gov, the state’s online health insurance marketplace. The Maryland Health Benefit Exchange has launched 2020 plan and price shopping on the website four weeks ahead of the start of open enrollment so consumers can get an estimate of how much they can expect to pay for health coverage next year. New this year, Value Plans feature lower deductibles and increased access to primary care, mental health care and generic drugs before deductibles apply. Value plans are designed to lower consumers’ out-of-pocket costs for the health care services the majority of people use most frequently.

Open enrollment runs from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15 for coverage that begins Jan. 1, 2020.

For the second year in a row, most insurance plans offered on Maryland Health Connection, the state’s health insurance marketplace, on average, are down 22 percent from 2018.

“The accessibility of enrollment via MarylandHealthConnection.gov and the ‘Enroll MHC’ mobile app means that the percentage of Marylanders with the security of health coverage is at an all-time high — 94 percent,” said Michele Eberle, executive director of the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, which operates the state’s health insurance marketplace.

To view 2020 plans and prices, Marylanders should visit MarylandHealthConnection.gov, and click “Get An Estimate.” Consumers who already have a 2019 health plan can shop now and change plans for 2020 coverage from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15.

Consumers who have health coverage through Medicaid will receive a notice when it’s time to renew; enrollment is year round. The fall open enrollment is for private health plans only.

For more information about 2020 coverage in Prince George’s County, visit www.pgchealthconnect.org/gethelp or call 301-927-4500; M-F 8:30am – 5:00pm

2020 Health Insurance Rates Released

BALTIMORE (SEPT. 19, 2019) – Statement from Michele Eberle, executive director of the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, on new rates approved by the Maryland Insurance Administration for health insurance plans for 2020 on the individual market in Maryland: 

“We are extremely pleased that for the second year in a row, most insurance plans offered by Maryland Health Connection will offer lower monthly rates for consumers. 

“Not only are most premiums going down, but we are excited to introduce our new value plans. These plans offer deductibles that are hundreds or even thousands of dollars cheaper than in 2019. Value plans are designed to give Marylanders more access to primary care, mental health care, and generic drugs before their deductibles apply. 

“Open enrollment for 2020 on MarylandHealthConnection.gov begins on Nov. 1, 2019 at 5 a.m. and ends Dec. 15, 2019 at midnight. Like last year, the website and the Enroll MHC mobile app will be open 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily. People can preview the various plans on MarylandHealthConnection.com beginning the week of Oct. 7. And for those who qualify for Medicaid, enrollment is year-round. 

“We are all grateful to be in Maryland, where the work of the Hogan administration, the General Assembly, our stakeholders and carriers have worked to stabilize the individual market to provide access to affordable health insurance for all. Maryland was one of only about one-quarter of all states to experience growth on its exchange in 2019. And it was also one of the few states to see a continued drop in its uninsured rate according to the latest statistics from the Census Bureau. About 94 percent of Marylanders have health coverage and greater access to care. Let’s keep going.”

 ###

About the Maryland Health Benefit ExchangeThe Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, a public corporation and independent unit of state government, administers Maryland Health Connection. Including more than 1 million people enrolled in Medicaid, MHBE enrolls one of every six Marylanders in health coverage.

About Maryland Health Connection: Maryland Health Connection is the state’s official health insurance marketplace for individuals and families to compare and enroll in health insurance. Maryland Health Connection is the only place where Marylanders can access tax credits to make coverage more affordable. People who have lost coverage and meet the criteria for a special enrollment can also enroll throughout the year at MarylandHealthConnection.gov or on the Enroll MHC mobile app.

Media Contact

Andrew Ratner, Chief of Staff, 443-827-6558 aratner@maryland.gov

3 Tips For New Moms This Mother’s Day

Happy Mother’s Day, Maryland moms!

health insurance for mothersWhether you’re preparing for a new baby, have a new addition, or recently adopted, you have a lot to celebrate. Here’s one more reason: a new baby or adoption means you’re eligible to enroll in health coverage or change plans.

3 things to know about enrolling now and what’s covered:

  1. You have 60 days from your baby’s birth to report the change to us and enroll or change plans. You can add your baby to your current plan or you can switch to a new plan that better fits your family’s needs. Coverage is effective back to the date of the birth or adoption.
  2. Plans cover maternity care, prenatal checkups and tests, newborn immunizations and checkups, breastfeeding support and supplies, as well as pediatric care including dental and vision.
  3. Having a baby or adopting may change the amount of financial help you’re eligible for to lower your out-of-pocket costs for health insurance. You also may qualify for Medicaid even if you didn’t before. Find out at MarylandHealthConnection.gov or get free help.

So here’s to one less worry off your plate — give yourself the financial security and peace of mind that comes from making sure your family’s covered!