ONE WEEK LEFT: TWO SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIODS FOR HEALTH INSURANCE END JULY 15

Media Release                                                                                                      July 8, 2020

 

ONE WEEK LEFT: TWO SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIODS

FOR HEALTH INSURANCE END JULY 15

 

Nearly 53,000 residents have enrolled since mid-March

 

BALTIMORE, MD – The Maryland Health Benefit Exchange announced it is entering the final week for Marylanders to enroll in health insurance coverage through the Coronavirus Emergency Special Enrollment Period and the Easy Enrollment Health Insurance Program. Maryland made the decision to re-open the Coronavirus Emergency Special Enrollment Period and extend the deadline in an effort to give more residents the opportunity to enroll. Both are set to end on July 15.

 

The deadline extension for the Coronavirus Special Enrollment Period comes as more than 49,000 residents have received coverage during this special enrollment period that began in March with Gov. Larry Hogan’s announcement of a State of Emergency in Maryland. Even before this extension, Maryland already offered one of the longest special enrollment periods in the country since the emergency began.

 

Individuals who enroll in health coverage through Maryland Health Connection under the Coronavirus Special Enrollment Period today through July 15 will have a coverage start date of July 1.

 

“There are two opportunities available to enroll in private health plans right now, with just a week left. We are urging Marylanders to take advantage of the new Coronavirus Emergency Special Enrollment Period deadline to get health insurance or file taxes by July 15 to get coverage. Visit MarylandHealthConnection.gov, download our mobile app or call our call center. We cannot predict what the coming months will bring. We want everyone to get covered and stay covered so they are prepared to get health care when they need it,” says Michele Eberle, executive director of Maryland Health Benefit Exchange.

 

While you do not have to be sick to seek coverage, health insurance companies on Maryland Health Connection cover testing, visits relating to testing, and treatment of COVID-19. These consumers will not be billed for a copay, coinsurance or deductible for services to test, diagnose and treat COVID-19.

 

The Maryland Easy Enrollment Health Insurance Program gives tax filers the option to share information, like household size and income, with the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange to see if they are eligible for free or low-cost health insurance. Those who check the box on state tax forms 502 and 502B by July 15 will receive a letter from Maryland Health Benefit Exchange to let them know if they are eligible for free or low-cost health coverage. To date, nearly 4,000 Marylanders have enrolled in health insurance under this innovative program, which other states are looking to implement.

 

Even after the end of the coronavirus and tax time special enrollments, anyone who loses job-based coverage has 60 days from loss of coverage to enroll through Maryland Health Connection. That was true before the coronavirus and continues.

 

To enroll, visit MarylandHealthConnection.gov. Individuals also can download the free “Enroll MHC” mobile app. Free consumer assistance is available by calling 855-642-8572 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays.

 

Help is available in more than 200 languages through the call center, as well as Relay service for the deaf and hard of hearing. Trained navigators and brokers statewide offer free help enrolling by phone. You can find information at MarylandHealthConnection.gov.

 

Last year, nine out of 10 Marylanders who enrolled through Maryland Health Connection were eligible for free coverage or financial help to lower the cost of their health insurance. This special enrollment period is for private health plans. Those who qualify for Medicaid may enroll any time of year.

 

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Maryland Health Benefit Exchange: (MHBE) is a public corporation and independent unit of the state government. It was established in 2011 in accordance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA) and is responsible for the administration of Maryland Health Connection.

 

Maryland Health Connection: One of every six Marylanders receive their health coverage through Maryland Health Connection (MHC), the state-based health insurance marketplace. Residents can compare and enroll in health insurance as well as determine eligibility for Medicaid or financial help with private plans.

 

MEDIA CONTACT: 

Betsy Plunkett

Director, Marketing & Web Strategies

betsy.plunkett@maryland.gov

443-257-3293