SNOW HILL, Md.- The Lower Shore Health Insurance Assistance Program on Tuesday urged uninsured Marylanders to enroll in coverage before the June 15 deadline through Maryland Health Connection, under the Coronavirus Emergency Special Enrollment Period.
To date, nearly 1,200 residents have received health coverage during this special enrollment period that began in March with Gov. Larry Hogan’s announcement of a state of emergency in Maryland.
Individuals who enroll in private health plans through Maryland Health Connection today through June 15 will have a coverage start date of June 1. In Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties, Marylanders may call 1-855-445-5540 for help enrolling.
“Despite the circumstances, this has been such a wonderful opportunity for our local area’s residents to enroll into health coverage. Our program is grateful that we have been able to continue to assist our consumers during these difficult times”, says Mandy Baum, program coordinator of the Lower Shore Health Insurance Assistance Program.
“During this time of heightened awareness of the need for health coverage due to the coronavirus and loss of job-based coverage, Maryland Health Connection is offering options for free and low-cost health insurance,” says Michele Eberle, executive director of Maryland Health Benefit Exchange. “Please reach out to your friends, families and communities to let them know coverage is available. The deadline is approaching quickly, but with your help we can work together to ensure every person has the coverage they need.”
While you do not have to be sick to seek coverage, it’s worth noting that health insurance companies on Maryland Health Connection cover testing, visits relating to testing, and treatment of COVID-19. These consumers will not be billed for a copay, coinsurance or deductible for services to test, diagnose and treat COVID-19.
As the state faces record levels of unemployment, many Marylanders are losing health coverage offered by employers. Individuals who lose coverage through their jobs have 60 days from loss of coverage to enroll. If they’ve missed that deadline, they can get coverage through Maryland Health Connection under the Coronavirus Special Enrollment Period through June 15.
An additional special enrollment for Maryland tax filers runs through July 15. The Maryland Easy Enrollment Health Insurance Program gives tax filers the option to share information, like household size and income, with the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange to see if they are eligible for free or low-cost health insurance. Those who check the box on state tax forms (502 and 502B) will receive a letter from Maryland Health Benefit Exchange to let them know if they are eligible for free or low-cost health coverage.
To enroll with a local navigator in Somerset, Wicomico or Worcester County, contact the Lower Shore Health Insurance Assistance Program at 1-855-445-5540, or by visiting lowershorehealth.org.
To enroll, visit MarylandHealthConnection.gov. Individuals also can download the free “Enroll MHC” mobile app. Free consumer assistance is available by calling 855-642-8572 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays.