Maryland Health Connection 2026: Your Enrollment Guide
Maryland does not use HealthCare.gov. It runs its own state-based exchange, Maryland Health Connection, which handles private plans and Medicaid in one place. From DC-area professionals to Baltimore families and Eastern Shore residents, this guide covers how to enroll for 2026, in the language you're most comfortable with.
Maryland Health Connection is the state's official marketplace, a state-based exchange rather than the federal HealthCare.gov site. Through it, residents compare private plans, apply for subsidies, and check Medicaid eligibility all in one application. That single-door design is one of the things that makes Maryland's system distinctive.
The easy enrollment program
Maryland pioneered an easy enrollment program that uses your state tax return to check whether you or your family members qualify for free or low-cost coverage. If you check a box on your Maryland taxes, the state can connect you to Medicaid or help you start a Marketplace application, cutting down the paperwork most people dread.
- Check the coverage box on your Maryland state tax return to start the process.
- Maryland Health Connection can then reach out about Medicaid or subsidized plans.
- This is especially useful for people who assumed they couldn't afford coverage.
- You can still enroll the standard way at any time during Open Enrollment.
Coverage for a diverse, multilingual state
Maryland's population is diverse, and its exchange offers help in multiple languages along with in-person and phone assistance. Professionals commuting to Washington, DC often shop here when they lack employer coverage, while families in Baltimore, the DC suburbs, and the Eastern Shore each face different network options and pricing.
- Montgomery and Prince George's counties: many DC-area commuters and broad plan choices.
- Baltimore metro: large health systems and multiple competing carriers.
- Eastern Shore and Western Maryland: confirm local hospital and specialist networks.
- Multilingual and in-person help is available through the exchange and its navigators.
Maryland's exchange has features other states don't. It helps to work with
Yes. Maryland runs its own state-based exchange, so residents enroll through Maryland Health Connection rather than HealthCare.gov.
It lets you use your state tax return to check for free or low-cost coverage. Check the box on your return and the exchange can connect you to Medicaid or a subsidized plan.
Yes. Maryland Health Connection offers multilingual support and in-person navigator assistance to help you enroll.
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