Finding the Best ACA Health Insurance Plan in Maryland for 2023
The open enrollment period for the state of Maryland ends on January 15, 2023. Maryland utilizes Maryland Health Connection, a state-wide marketplace that allows residents to compare, apply and select a healthcare plan. This article will highlight the best marketplace plans for a 27-year-old non-smoking female in the Baltimore area that makes $70,000 per year.
Best Plans in Maryland
The chart below shows the best healthcare plan in Maryland for a 27-year-old non-smoking female in the Baltimore area who makes $70,000 annually. The chart contains this user profile's best bronze, silver, gold, and platinum options.
ACA Plans in Maryland
| Plan | Tier | Monthly Premium | Deductible |
|---|---|---|---|
| KP MD Bronze 7500 | Bronze HMO | $197.37 | $7500 |
| KP MD Bronze 6900 | Bronze HMO | $204.24 | $6900 |
| UHC Bronze Virtual First | Bronze HMO | $207.11 | $7250 |
| KP MD Silver Virtual Forward 400 | Silver HMO | $271.77 | $4000 |
| KP MD Silver 3200 | Silver HMO | $273.21 | $3200 |
| UHC Silver Advantage | Silver HMO | $287.21 | $2000 |
| KP MD Gold Virtual Forward 2000 | Gold HMO | $263.86 | $2000 |
| KP MD Gold 1750 | Gold HMO | $266.82 | $1750 |
| UHC Gold Virtual First | Gold HMO | $269.21 | $1350 |
Difference Between Metal Tiers
In addition to the traditional metal tiers, Maryland Health Connection has its classification system that recommends the tier of plans you should compare and apply for. The usage level system has three categories: low, medium, and high usage.
Maryland Healthcare Usage Levels
| Level | What it Means | Type of Care |
|---|---|---|
| Low | I rarely use healthcare services |
|
| Medium | I sometimes use healthcare services |
|
| High | I frequently use healthcare services |
|
Source: Maryland Health Connection
The chart below shows each traditional metal tier with the patient-insurance provider cost breakdown and who each tier is best suited for. The Maryland Connection Website uses the care usage level criteria to estimate which metal tier plan would be best for your healthcare needs.
ACA Plan Breakdown & Cost Sharing
Metal Tier | Monthly Premium | Insurance Pays | You Pay | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bronze | $ | 60% | 40% | A good option for young and healthy individuals. |
Silver | $$ | 70% | 30% | A good option for healthy, low-income individuals. |
Gold | $$$ | 80% | 10% | Best for people who will need comprehensive coverage |
Platinum | $$$$ | 90% | 10% | Best for people with frequent medical needs |
Source: healthcare.gov
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Maryland Health Connection and ACA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below are frequently asked questions about signing up for an ACA plan through Maryland Health Connection.
Who Is Eligible for Health Insurance Through Maryland Health Connection?
Maryland residents and non-U.S. citizens with a worker or student visa are eligible for an ACA through Maryland Health Connection. In addition to an ACA plan through the Maryland marketplace, you may also be qualified for Maryland's Medicaid program. The program offers free or low-cost coverage to low-income individuals and families.
When Can I Enroll in a Health Plan in Maryland?
Maryland's open enrollment starts on November 1 and lasts through January 15. Maryland also has an Easy Enrollment Program that is available only during tax season until April 18, 2023. You can check a box with your tax return indicating that you would like Maryland Health Benefit Exchange. Then they will estimate your eligibility for low-cost health insurance.
If you have a qualifying life event, you may be eligible for a special enrollment period that allows you to sign up for a plan outside the traditional enrollment period.
How Do I Sign Up for Maryland Health Connection?
In Maryland, there are three ways to sign up and enroll in a health plan. When you apply for coverage, you can also choose your plan. Once your application is approved, you will pay your first monthly premium to start your coverage. Ways to apply and enroll:
- Online - Go to the Maryland Health Connection website and click “How to Enroll''. Maryland also has a marketplace exchange app for your mobile device; once you create your account, you can log in via app or web browser.
- By Phone - Call the Maryland Health Connection customer service center at 855-642-8572. The customer service center is open Monday-Friday from 8. Am - 6. pm.
- In-Person - Navigators and brokers are available to help you determine your eligibility and understand your plan options. You can find a broker in your area through the Maryland Health Connection website.
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What is Covered Under Maryland Health Connection Plans?
All Maryland Health Connection plans cover 10 essential benefits, including:
- Emergency services and hospitalization
- Maternity and newborn care
- Mental health services (including counseling)
- Chronic disease management and pediatric care
- Prescription drugs
- Basic dental services
- Vision benefits
- Lab testing
- Preventative and wellness care
Is There A Penalty for Not Having Insurance in Maryland?
No, there isn’t. In 2017, there was a penalty for not having health insurance in Maryland. However, that penalty has been removed. The states that do have a penalty for no health insurance are Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and California, plus Washington, D.C.
Bottom Line
Maryland’s open enrollment period is considerably shorter than other states around the country, and residents who do not have health insurance can expect to pay a minimum $700 dollar penalty per person per household. Maryland’s Health Connection platform is an all inclusive marketplace that allows you to determine how much healthcare you are currently using and find the right plan based on your needs. Unfortunately, most of the marketplace plans come with a high premium and an even higher deductible.
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Originally from Houston, Texas, Alexandra is currently getting her Master's in Public Health with a health policy certificate at Columbia University. One of her life goals is to own her own art gallery!
