As part of the state’s overall response to the coronavirus, and in an effort to prioritize health and safety, Maryland Health Connection opened a new special enrollment period for uninsured Marylanders.
What you need to know
When will the special enrollment period begin?
The coronavirus emergency special enrollment period will begin in March and ends Monday, June 15. Here are the dates coverage will begin, depending on what day you enrolled in a health plan:
- Enroll by April 15, 2020, coverage starts April 1, 2020
- Enroll April 16-May 15, 2020, coverage starts May 1, 2020
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Enroll May 16-June 15, 2020, coverage starts June 1, 2020
How do I enroll?
To enroll, visit MarylandHealthConnection.gov or download the free “Enroll MHC” mobile app. When enrolling, you should request or select “Coronavirus Emergency Special Enrollment Period.”
Trained navigators and brokers can help you enroll by phone.
This enrollment period is for new enrollments of uninsured Marylanders who are eligible, not an opportunity for currently enrolled consumers to change plans.
Can I get help enrolling?
Free consumer assistance is available by calling 855-642-8572 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Deaf and hard of hearing use Relay. Help is available in more than 200 languages.
We encourage you to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) for all health-related coronavirus questions.
What do I need to apply?
- Birthdates
- Social Security numbers (or document numbers for legal immigrants)
- Proof of citizenship or immigration status
- Tax returns for previous years
- Employer and income info (pay stubs, W-2 forms)
- Policy numbers for any current health insurance
- Information about any job-related coverage you or someone in your household is eligible for
Is Coronavirus covered under a Maryland Health Connection plan or Medicaid?
Yes. Health insurance companies are required to waive cost-sharing, including lab fees, co-payments, coinsurance, and deductibles for any visit to test for coronavirus at a doctor’s office, urgent care center, or emergency room.
Can I qualify for the Coronavirus Emergency Special Enrollment Period even if I’m not sick?
Yes. All eligible, uninsured Marylanders may qualify for this emergency special enrollment period.
Do the insurance companies on Maryland Health Connection cover the costs of coronavirus?
Yes, both Kaiser Permanente and CareFirst cover testing, visits relating to testing, and treatment of COVID-19. You won’t be billed for a copay, coinsurance or deductible for services to test, diagnose and treat COVID-19.
