Note: Maryland Health Connection open enrollment ends January 15th.

Thankful

Thanksgiving is a season of gratitude and reflection for many things in life. The holidays may increase your risk due to increased travel, shopping for gifts, and preparing more home cooked meals for family and friends. We want to share resources and tips for a safe, happy, and joyous holiday season. 

Cooking Safety Home fire risk more than doubles on Thanksgiving Day. Read our safety tips below. Here's our consumer guide for Homeowners Insurance: Homeowners Consumer Guide

Packages Thieves are just as excited as you are for your Cyber Monday packages to arrive. Do you have insurance to cover your personal property in the event of theft? There are consumer resources available on our website for homeowners and renters. Read our Consumer Advisory

Oh deer... Nearly half of deer-vehicle collisions occur this time of year. Stay alert, especially during the early AM and PM hours! If you spot one deer, there are usually more to follow. Talk to your insurer to find out what is covered under your auto policy. Read our consumer guide to auto insurance here: Click here to read more.

National Family Health History Day November 25th is National Family Health History Day as a time to gather with family and discuss your family health history. This conversation can be useful when shopping for health or life insurance. To learn more about general health insurance, click here. The CDC offers the My Family Health Portrait - a free and easy to use online tool to help you collect your family health history information.  Click here to learn more.

Cyber Monday Cyber Monday may be a good time for online shopping. If you are shopping for auto insurance rates, make sure to use our sample Interactive Auto Insurance Rate Guide found here: Interactive Auto Insurance Rate Guide

Important Enrollment Deadlines

Maryland Health Connection open enrollment ends January 15th. Last year, Marylanders saved an average of $300/month on their monthly premium, that’s money you can save or use to cover other costs! Check out your options at MarylandHealthConnection.gov.

Medicare Open Enrollment is the time to compare Medicare health and drug plans to find the best plan for you.  Pick your 2023 plan by December 7th. If you need assistance, click here to find your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselor. The services provided by SHIP are free and confidential. Explore your Medicare coverage options here: https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare/

Safety Tips

• Outdoor Fryers - If you do decide to fry your turkey, remember oil and water do not mix. Keep the fryer on level ground, keep away from the house, make sure the turkey is properly thawed, never use water on a grease fire, and have a fire extinguisher handy.
• Check Smoke Alarms - Make sure your smoke detectors are working and have fresh batteries.
• Stay Alert When Cooking - Don't leave food unattended on the stove.
• Lock Your Doors/Garage/Vehicles - Theft increases around the holidays. 
• Don't leave valuables in plain sight - especially when shopping for holiday gifts.
• Social Media - don't post plans on social media. Share your plans after you have returned.
• Protect Your Home - Use light timers and set randomly, have a neighbor move your vehicles, and don't leave a key outside.

Safe Travels

Planning to hit the road for Thanksgiving? Before you make plans, here are a few insurance travel tips:

• Auto Insurance - Check that you have proof of insurance in the car and contact information for your agent.
• Health Insurance - Have your health insurance ID card for all travelers, list of medications, allergies and medical conditions.
• Travel Insurance - Consider a policy if you are concerned about accidents or losses during a trip.

Find out more through this consumer alert:

#ICYMI

• New Facebook Page in Spanish
• Recording of Cybersecurity for Businesses: Managing Your Risk
• Cybersecurity Resources
• October News

Join the MIA for an Event

Have an insurance issue or question? The Maryland Insurance Administration is eager to help you. MIA representatives are out and about in your communities and also virtual. We're ready to answer your insurance questions. 

Join Team MIA

The Maryland Insurance Administration is hiring. If you have an interest in helping consumers and businesses, we want to hear from you. We have positions for all levels of experience; from entry level positions to positions requiring advanced levels of expertise. Visit our website for more information: