Consumers can now compare prices of 2017 Health Insurance Plans on Maryland Health Connection

BALTIMORE (OCT. 3, 2016) – Marylanders can now compare prices of 2017 health insurance plans and get an estimate of financial assistance to help reduce out-of-pocket costs on MarylandHealthConnection.gov and a new mobile app, “Enroll MHC.”

Although open enrollment for 2017 insurance doesn’t begin until Nov. 1, consumers now have several weeks beforehand to compare prices and plans. Open enrollment ends Jan. 31. The new mobile app is available free in the App Store (iOS) and the Google Play Store (Android). Full application features will be available by late October on the app.

“We are excited to provide consumers with the opportunity to shop and compare 2017 plans to find the best options for themselves and their families,” said Jonathan N. Kromm, acting executive director of Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, which administers the state’s health insurance marketplace. “This will give Marylanders the opportunity to view plan details now, estimate cost and make decisions on health insurance plans well before open enrollment starts on Nov. 1.”

Maryland Health Connection is the only place to get financial help with health insurance. Nine out of 10 people who enrolled last year qualified for lower costs. Consumer assistance organizations throughout the state offer free in-person enrollment help to consumers.

Currently, one in six Marylanders — 1.1 million people — receives coverage through the web-based marketplace, either private insurance or Medicaid.