Maryland health insurance plans
How individual and family health coverage works in Maryland, in plain language.
Medicaid is a government program that gives free or low-cost health coverage to people with limited income, such as some adults, children, pregnant women, seniors and people with disabilities. Each state runs its own Medicaid program and decides who qualifies. We are an independent insurance agency, and we cannot enroll you in Medicaid or check your Medicaid.
Maryland Medicaid: Maryland Department of Health, Medicaid Administration · 1-855-642-8572 (Maryland Health Connection call center) · health.maryland.gov/mmcp/pages/home.aspx
If your income is too high for Medicaid, or you want to compare health plans, call us. We can help with that.
ACA Open Enrollment is open now
Open enrollment is on, and deadlines vary, so don't wait. Call and we'll help you find the right Maryland plan.
Where Maryland residents shop
Maryland residents who buy their own coverage shop on Maryland Health Connection at www.marylandhealthconnection.gov. That is also where income-based help with monthly premiums (premium tax credits) is applied. Maryland runs its own marketplace, so it has its own enrollment dates and rules.
Unlike states where the insurance regulator or health department runs Medicare counseling directly, Maryland's SHIP sits inside the Department of Aging -- a caller asking the Maryland Insurance Administration about Medicare plan choices will get routed to a different state agency entirely.
Enrolling
Open enrollment dates are set by the marketplace and can change from year to year, so confirm this year’s window on the marketplace site before you plan around it. Outside open enrollment you generally need a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage, moving, or a change in household size.
What affects the plans you see
- Where you live. Plans and premiums are set by area within Maryland, so your county matters. Find your county.
- Income and household size. These determine help with premiums and whether you may qualify for Medicaid instead.
- Plan level. Metal levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) trade a lower monthly premium against higher costs when you use care.
Maryland Medicaid is administered by the Maryland Department of Health's Medicaid Administration -- that's the right place to start if your eligibility changed.
Maryland runs its own ACA exchange, Maryland Health Connection, instead of routing residents to HealthCare.gov -- enrollment and subsidy questions go through the state site directly.
Maryland's SHIP counselors answer Medicare questions free of charge at (800) 243-3425, run through the Maryland Department of Aging rather than the health department, and separate from Maryland Health Insurance's own free phone help.
Questions
Where do I shop for ACA health plans in Maryland?
Maryland residents shop through Maryland Health Connection (https://www.marylandhealthconnection.gov). An independent agent such as Lander LLC can explain the plans for you, but the marketplace is the only place premium tax credits are applied.
How do I apply for Medicaid in Maryland?
Medicaid in Maryland is run through Maryland Department of Health, Medicaid Administration (https://health.maryland.gov/mmcp/pages/home.aspx). Eligibility depends on income, household size and other factors, and it is decided by the state, not by an insurance agency.
Who regulates insurance in Maryland?
Maryland Insurance Administration (https://insurance.maryland.gov) regulates insurance companies and agents in Maryland. You can use it to check that an agent or company is licensed and to file a complaint.
Is there free, unbiased Medicare help in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland SHIP (State Health Insurance Program) ((800) 243-3425) offers free Medicare counseling through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), separate from any insurance agency.
Does Maryland Health Insurance cost anything to use?
There is no cost to call or to speak with an agent. Insurance premiums and plan costs are set by the insurance companies and are separate from our help.
Questions about Maryland health plans? Call 855-367-1095
Call Lander LLC to go over your options. There is no cost to call or to speak with an agent, and you are never required to enroll in anything.
Call 855-367-1095 Open 8 AM-10 PM Eastern timeReviewed by Richard Lander, licensed insurance agent (NPN 21255551), Lander LLC. Last updated October 3, 2026. This page is educational and is not a quote, an offer of coverage, or legal or tax advice.