Yesterday I noted that the Maryland legislature, which has had an excellent record on healthcare reform policy in recent years, had a rare misstep when they took a pass on allowing undocumented immigrants to enroll in the states ACA exchange. While the lack of federal subsidy eligibility would have severely limited the number of undocumented Maryland residents who would be able to utilize this path towards healthcare, it was still a missed opportunity.
Today, however, I can report that the MD legislature has passed several other bills which move things in the right direction. Via Rob Flaks of WMDT:
With just days left in the General Assembly session, Maryland lawmakers have passed a series of bills aimed at expanding healthcare access and combating costs across the state.
...The proposal at issue would allow undocumented immigrants to buy health insurance through the state exchange, a policy change that state analysts predict would lead to coverage for about one-third of the state’s undocumented population, or 82,500 people. The move would add Maryland to a small number of states targeting the group in an effort to shore up gaps in health care access — a goal that has faced head winds in Congress.
Supporters say the proposal dovetails with Gov. Wes Moore’s goal of eliminating child poverty and would reduce overall premiums and care provided by hospitals free of charge to the uninsured. But instead of passing a bill that would open the insurance marketplace, which would require a federal waiver, lawmakers instead approved legislation that calls for the Maryland Health Department and the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange to study options for undocumented immigrants’ health care needs to guide their work moving forward.
Consumer Advisory: Maryland-issued health insurance policies are not impacted by Braidwood Management, Inc. v. Becerra; preventative services, including PrEP, are still required to be covered
BALTIMORE – Health insurance policies (including HMO plans) issued in Maryland are not impacted by a recent ruling by a federal judge in Texas that health plans do not have to cover certain preventive services.
MORE THAN 182,000 ENROLLED FOR 2023 COVERAGE THROUGH MARYLAND HEALTH CONNECTION
Enrollment reached an all-time high in 10th year of state-based marketplace
BALTIMORE (Jan. 24, 2023) – A record number of Marylanders – 182,166 – enrolled in coverage for 2023 through Maryland Health Connection, the state’s health insurance marketplace in its 10th year of operation.
Open enrollment began Nov. 1, 2022, and ended Jan. 15. People who enrolled in January will start coverage Feb. 1.
“We’re very happy to continue to have success in reaching Marylanders in need of affordable health coverage,” said Michele Eberle, executive director of the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, which runs the state’s health insurance marketplace. Total enrollment has grown five consecutive years and by more than 15 percent since just before Covid-19 and the public health emergency.
Marylanders have until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 15, to enroll in a health or dental plan for 2023. Consumers who enroll by Jan. 15 will have coverage starting Feb. 1, 2023.
Visit MarylandHealthConnection.gov or download the free Enroll MHC mobile app to compare plans and enroll. New this year, Marylanders can get connected with a broker in 30 minutes or less by visiting here. Or call 1-855-642-8572 toll-free from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15. Help is available in more than 200 languages. Local health insurance navigators are also available to answer questions and help you enroll in person, by phone or on your computer.
BALTIMORE (Dec. 28, 2022) – Marylanders have until Dec. 31 to get a health plan beginning Jan. 1 on Maryland Health Connection, the state’s health insurance marketplace and the only place to get financial help with coverage. To be covered at the start of the new year, Marylanders must enroll by Dec. 31, 2022. If you enroll in January, your coverage will not start until Feb. 1, 2023. This open enrollment period is for private plans only. Those who qualify for Medicaid may enroll any time of year.
Set a Goal: Enroll Statewide Events Dec. 3-15 Feature Extended Hours
BALTIMORE (Nov. 29, 2022) — Maryland Health Connection will have trained experts to help Marylanders understand their options and enroll in a health plan for 2023 at upcoming statewide events. Shoppers can take advantage of free assistance at a local Set a Goal: Enroll event. Help is also available virtually or by phone with weekend and extended hours.
Last year, the average Maryland Health Connection customer buying private health insurance saved $289 a month on their monthly premium. Many Marylanders ages 18-34 can get special discounts for 2023 health plans — on top of other savings available through Maryland Health Connection.
“We are pleased that our navigators, who are so knowledgeable and helpful, are providing extra help in December to help Marylanders choose and enroll in a private health plan for the new year,” said Michele Eberle, executive director of the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange.
With health insurance, you’re protected from the unexpected.
BALTIMORE (Nov. 1, 2022) – Marylanders can now enroll in health plans for 2023 on MarylandHealthConnection.gov, the state’s health insurance marketplace.
Open enrollment runs from Nov. 1, 2022, through Jan. 15, 2023. Coverage starts Jan. 1, 2023, for plans selected before Dec. 31, and coverage starts on Feb. 1, 2023, for plans selected the first two weeks of January. This open enrollment period is for private plans only. Those who qualify for Medicaid may enroll any time of year.
“Many of the savings available in 2022 have been extended into 2023, resulting in free and low-cost plans.” said Michele Eberle, executive director of the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange. “Accidents happen. You never know when you might need emergency care or a visit to a doctor or specialist. With health insurance, you’re covered for when the unexpected happens.”
BALTIMORE (Oct. 4, 2022) – Marylanders can now explore health plans and prices for 2023 at the Maryland Health Connection, the state’s online health insurance marketplace. Using the Get an Estimate tool, you can compare plans and find out whether you are eligible for financial help in just a few minutes. Open enrollment to sign up for a 2023 health plan runs from Nov. 1, 2022 through Jan. 15, 2023.
“You never know when you might need emergency care or a visit to a doctor or specialist. If you have health insurance, you’re covered for when the unexpected happens,” said Michele Eberle, executive director of the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange. “I want to encourage anyone who is currently going without health care coverage to use the Get an Estimate tool to check out health plans and savings.”
As an example, a 40-year-old individual living in the Baltimore metro region who makes $50,000 a year will pay a monthly premium of $312 for the lowest cost gold plan.
Maryland Insurance Administration Approves 2023 Affordable Care Act Premium Rates
Reinsurance Program Continues Positive Impact on Individual Rates, Keeping Rate Increases Below Inflation
BALTIMORE – State Insurance Commissioner Kathleen A. Birrane today announced the premium rates approved by the Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) for individual and small group health insurance plans to be offered in the state for coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2023.
The rates for individual health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will change/increase by an average of 6.6% this year. The approved rates are 4.4% lower on average than insurance carriers originally requested – a difference of more than $50 million in total annual premium savings for Maryland consumers.
