COVID-19 Update from Governor Larry Hogan: Frequently Asked Questions

 

Dear Marylanders:

Our state is facing an unprecedented public health crisis, and with it comes a heightened need for critical resources, from medical equipment to school lunches to unemployment assistance. 

I can assure you that there are many dedicated people working around the clock to keep Marylanders safe and to connect them with essential resources and programs. We are harnessing the full force of state government to adapt and enhance programs that will help Marylanders weather this storm. Many of these are described in the Frequently Asked Questions below, and we also encourage Marylanders to utilize our A-to-Z COVID-19 Resource Guide. 

We are all in this together, and we will get through this together.  

 

 

The Maryland Departments of Labor and Commerce have established a one-stop portal for businesses and employees impacted by COVID-19 at businessexpress.maryland.gov/coronavirus. Small businesses can apply for federal disaster loans from the Small Business Administration.

 

To ensure Marylanders receive access to affordable, ACA-compliant insurance coverage during this emergency, individuals can visit MarylandHealthConnection.gov or download the free “Enroll MHC” mobile app. Request or select “Coronavirus Emergency Special Enrollment Period.” Free consumer assistance is available by calling 1-855-642-8572 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays. You can enroll starting Monday, March 16, through Wednesday, April 15.

The Division of Unemployment Insurance’s website and call centers are currently experiencing an unprecedented volume of users due to COVID-19. 

Claims center call hours have been extended to 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and our team is working around the clock to address Marylanders’ needs. Marylanders are also encouraged to apply online, and for faster processing speeds, consider filing during non-peak hours early in the morning and late in the evening.

We ask Marylanders to please be patient as we continue to ramp up our capacity to handle unemployment claims. Please know that Marylanders will not be penalized for missing certification deadlines. 

Learn more from the Maryland Department of Labor.

 

For quicker processing, Marylanders are strongly encouraged to submit food, cash, energy, emergency, and aged/blind/disabled medical assistance applications online via the Department of Human Services website or the MyDHR portal. 

Medical Assistance applications for Families, Children and Pregnant Women should be submitted by visiting the Maryland Health Connection website. Long Term Care Medical Assistance customers are strongly encouraged to submit applications, redetermination applications, and verifications through the My MDThink Portal. 

Learn more from the Maryland Department of Human Services.

 

Marylanders can donate their time and talents by signing up for the Maryland Responds Reserve Medical Corps, now recruiting active and retired health care professionals, medical students, and other interested volunteers.

We also encourage Marylanders to make an appointment to donate blood if they are able, and to continue to support their local food bank, places of worship, and other charitable organizations during this time of great need. 

 

Disaster relief agencies are partnering to open four locations around the state to accept donations of specialized medical equipment and some cleaning supplies to support the Maryland Emergency Management Agency and other state agencies—learn more here. 

Businesses or organizations offering capabilities, personnel, and equipment can email psector@maryland.gov. 

 

Now more than ever, it’s essential for Marylanders to arm themselves with factual information. 

For health resources, including case counts and clinician guidance, visit coronavirus.maryland.gov.

For administration news and updates, visit governor.maryland.gov/coronavirus, and follow Governor Hogan on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. 

To receive alerts, tips, and resources related to COVID-19 and other threats and hazards affecting or that may affect Maryland, text “MdReady” to 898211.

 

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