Health insurance in Maryland: Maryland Health Connection, state help and Medicaid

Maryland Health Connection dates for 2027 coverage

Outside Open Enrollment you need a qualifying life event, or a Tax Time special enrollment period through Easy Enrollment (below). See special enrollment periods.

Maryland's state premium assistance for 2027

Maryland law requires a state subsidy for plan years 2026 and 2027 to soften the loss of the enhanced federal credits. For 2027 you qualify if your income is at or below 400% of the federal poverty level, you're eligible for federal tax credits, and you aren't eligible for Medicaid. The table shows the most you'd pay for the benchmark silver plan, as a share of income.

• Young Adult Subsidy: continues in 2027 at its 2026 levels. It lowers the expected share of income by 2.5 percentage points for young adults through age 33, then by 0.5 points less each year until it phases out at 38. You must be at or below 400% of the poverty level and not eligible for Medicaid.
• If you joined in 2026 after April 1: people who enrolled through a 2026 special enrollment period after April 1 didn't get state premium assistance in 2026, but the Exchange's 2027 design makes them eligible again at renewal.
• Reinsurance: since 2019, Maryland's reinsurance program has paid part of insurers' large claims. For 2027 it covers 80% of a claim between $28,000 and $250,000. The Exchange says 2026 rates were still more than 6% below 2018 levels.
• After 2027: the state subsidy is only authorized through plan year 2027, so its future depends on the 2027 legislative session.

What 2027 plans cost in Baltimore City

At the lower incomes in the table, the Exchange points to silver because those households also get extra help with out-of-pocket costs, which makes a silver plan cover as much as or more than a gold plan. See cost-sharing reductions.

Easy Enrollment, Medicaid and federal changes

Easy Enrollment: check the box on your Maryland tax return (Form 502 or 502B) and the Comptroller shares your household size and income with Maryland Health Connection. If you file by April 15, you get a letter about your eligibility and then have 35 days from the letter's date to enroll.

Medicaid: Maryland Medicaid covers adults with monthly income up to about $1,835 for one person, $2,490 for two or $3,795 for four (limits effective February 1, 2026). Children and pregnant people can qualify at higher incomes, and MCHP covers children up to age 19. Starting January 1, 2027, Maryland Health Connection says Medicaid members will renew every six months instead of every 12, and some adults will need to meet work requirements. See Medicaid income limits.

Immigrant eligibility: starting January 1, 2027, only lawful permanent residents, Cuban and Haitian noncitizens and Compact of Free Association migrants can get financial help with a private plan. Others can still enroll through Maryland Health Connection at full cost.

How to enroll, and where Gabriel fits

1. Gather your details: everyone in your household, expected 2027 income, current coverage, and your doctors and prescriptions.
2. Apply online at marylandhealthconnection.gov, in the Enroll MHC app, by phone at 1-855-642-8572, or with free local help or a licensed agent.
3. Compare plans on the premium after federal and state help, the deductible, the out-of-pocket maximum and the network.
4. Pick early to start January 1, then pay your first bill directly to the insurance company.

Gabriel can quote Marketplace plans for your ZIP code and household, show the price after any tax credit, and open your own application with a licensed agent in most states. You choose the plan and finish the application. Separate from insurance, Gabriel Core is $49 per adult a month (kids under 18 included) with member prices close to cost on lab tests, supplements, prescriptions and bioregulators, plus unlimited virtual urgent care and virtual primary care.

Gabriel is not an insurer. Health insurance quotes and enrollment are handled by Gabriel Labs, Gabriel's separately licensed insurance agency. Gabriel membership is not health insurance, doesn't count as minimum essential coverage, and doesn't replace a health plan's protection against large medical bills.