236,000 MARYLANDERS WHO STILL LACK COVERAGE COULD GET IT FOR FREE OR WITH SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL HELP
LANDOVER, MD—A year ago this week, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan declared COVID-19 as a public health emergency. In response, the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange (MHBE) launched a Coronavirus Emergency Special Enrollment Period (SEP). Today, more than 140,000 Marylanders have gotten insurance, 30,000 from Prince George’s County.
“We are pleased to announce the tremendous response to this special enrollment period, which is one of the nation’s longest in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Hogan said. “This program’s success is a testament to our commitment to ensure Marylanders have access to the resources they need to get healthier.”
The enrollment effort in Prince George’s County is led by Prince George’s County Health Connect, a program of the Department of Social Services (PGCDSS). Says Gloria Brown Burnett, Director of PGCDSS, “We are extremely pleased that Prince Georgians are responding to the call. Good health is supported by access. Our goal is to ensure that everyone who can get health insurance gets it; and once they get it, use it.”
Through the state-based marketplace, Maryland Health Connection, many Prince Georgians who previously lacked coverage were able to enroll in private health plans outside the typical open enrollment period held each fall. An estimated 236,000 residents across the state; of which an estimated 50,000 (eligible) residents are Prince Georgians who remain without health coverage, would still be able to get coverage for free or with significant financial help, in many cases worth hundreds of dollars a month, according to a recent analysis.
The Coronavirus Special Enrollment is currently scheduled to run through May 15, 2021. Medicaid enrollment is year-round. Under special “life change” events, such as job loss or divorces, residents can still enroll in private coverage usually within a specified time frame.
“We’re happy that thousands were able to get coverage and peace of mind for themselves and their families during this difficult time,” said Michele Eberle, executive director of the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange. “We’re also thankful for the support and cooperation from the Maryland Insurance Administration, the Maryland Department of Health and our partner insurance companies CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Kaiser Permanente and United Healthcare.”
For assistance in Prince George’s County with health insurance, private health insurance, Medicaid, or other health access issues, residents can call PGC Health Connect today. Bilingual navigators are available to assist by telephone through the Prince George’s Health Connect Call Center, (301) 927-4500, (240)719-2167 or its partner, CASA’s Bi-Lingual Hotline at (301) 270-8432, Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 4 pm.
For additional information on Maryland Health Connection, visit www.MarylandHealthConnection.gov. Free consumer assistance is available by calling 855-642-8572 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays.
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The Prince George’s County Department of Social Services is in the business of providing opportunities for residents of the County to become independent, responsible and stable members of the community. We do this by providing intervention services that strengthen families, protect children and vulnerable adults, encourage self-sufficiency and promote personal responsibility.
