Health Insurance Plans in DC Suburbs (Montgomery & Prince George's Counties), Maryland (2026)

Which counties does this Maryland health insurance page cover?

What is the health insurance marketplace in Maryland?

The Maryland (MD) health insurance marketplace is Maryland Health Connection (https://www.marylandhealthconnection.gov/), a state-based ACA exchange where residents compare and enroll in qualified health plans. Policymage lists 32 plans with live premium data. Open Enrollment runs November 1 through January 15.

How do I compare health insurance plans in Maryland?

Use policymage.com/get-quotes: enter your ZIP code, household ages, and income. Policymage fetches ACA Marketplace plans for your county, calculates APTC subsidies, and lets you compare up to 4 plans side-by-side on premium, deductible, network, and benefits. Free, no account, no broker bias. Plans in Maryland start from $251.45/month before subsidies.

Which Medicaid plan is best in Maryland?

There is no single "best" Medicaid plan in Maryland. Medicaid is administered through MCOs such as CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Kaiser Permanente, UnitedHealthcare. The right plan depends on your county, doctors, and prescriptions. Medicaid (income up to 138% FPL, ~$22,025/year for an individual) is separate from ACA Marketplace plans at Maryland Health Connection. Apply year-round through your state Medicaid office.

Is short-term health insurance available in Maryland?

Short-term health insurance is sold outside the ACA Marketplace in Maryland by private insurers. These plans are not ACA-compliant: they can exclude pre-existing conditions, skip Essential Health Benefits, and lack guaranteed renewal. For comprehensive coverage with subsidies, enroll in an ACA Marketplace plan at Maryland Health Connection during Open Enrollment (November 1 to January 15). See policymage.com/faq for more on short-term vs ACA plans.

How much is health insurance in MD?

Health insurance in MD starts as low as $251.45/month for a 30-year-old on a Bronze plan before subsidies. Most Maryland residents who qualify for APTC pay significantly less, some as low as $0/month for a Bronze plan.

What is the cheapest health insurance option in MD for 2027?

The cheapest ACA option in MD for 2027 is typically a Bronze-tier plan or, for residents under 30, a catastrophic plan. Both carry the lowest monthly premium in exchange for a higher deductible. Compare exact Maryland plans and prices at policymage.com/get-quotes.

How do I get health insurance in Maryland?

To get health insurance in Maryland, enroll in an ACA Marketplace plan through Maryland Health Connection during Open Enrollment, which runs November 1 through January 15. Plans start at $251.45/month before subsidies. You need your ZIP code, household size, and estimated annual income to apply. Outside Open Enrollment you need a Qualifying Life Event (job loss, marriage, birth, or a move) to enrol through a Special Enrollment Period.

What is the best health insurance in Maryland?

There is no single best health insurance plan in Maryland; total annual cost depends on your doctors, prescriptions, and how much care you use. Policymage does not recommend plans. It lets you compare 32 Maryland plans on premium, deductible, network, and quality rating. Total annual cost is the premium × 12 plus your expected deductible and copays. Cost-Sharing Reductions lower deductibles and copays for incomes between 100% and 250% FPL, and apply only to Silver plans.

How much is health insurance in Maryland per month?

Health insurance in Maryland starts at $251.45 per month for a Bronze plan for a 30-year-old, before subsidies. Most residents who qualify for APTC tax credits pay considerably less, and some pay $0/month for a Bronze plan. Your exact monthly cost depends on age, county, household size, and tobacco use.

How do I get free health insurance in Maryland?

Free or near-free coverage in Maryland comes from two routes. Medicaid covers adults earning up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (roughly $22,025/year for an individual), and you can apply year-round. Above that, APTC subsidies bring many Bronze Marketplace plans to $0/month for Maryland residents on lower incomes.

When does Open Enrollment end in Maryland for ACA plans?

Open Enrollment for Maryland residents runs from November 1 through January 15. Maryland runs its own exchange (Maryland Health Connection), which set the January 15 deadline. Outside Open Enrollment, you need a Qualifying Life Event to enroll in a Special Enrollment Period.

How much does health insurance cost in Maryland?

Health insurance in Maryland starts as low as $251.45/month for a 30-year-old on a Bronze plan before subsidies. With APTC tax credits, many Maryland residents pay $0–$50/month for Bronze coverage. Costs vary by age, county, tobacco use, and household size.

Does Maryland use HealthCare.gov or its own state exchange?

Maryland runs its own state-based Marketplace called Maryland Health Connection (https://www.marylandhealthconnection.gov/). You enroll there directly, not at HealthCare.gov. Plan offerings, enrollment dates, and customer support are managed by Maryland, not the federal government.

Has Maryland expanded Medicaid under the ACA?

Yes. Maryland has expanded Medicaid, so adults with household income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (approximately $22,025/year for an individual) qualify for free or very low-cost Medicaid. There's no Open Enrollment window; you can apply year-round.

What are the income limits for ACA subsidies in Maryland?

Premium tax credits cover household income from 100% to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level: about $15,960 to $63,840 a year for an individual, or $33,000 to $132,000 for a family of 4. Below 138% FPL most adults qualify for Medicaid instead. Above 400% FPL there is no credit in 2027: the enhanced rules that removed that limit expired after 2025. Use the Maryland Health Connection subsidy calculator for your exact estimate.

Does Maryland have its own health insurance subsidy?

Yes. Maryland Premium Assistance: In 2026, Maryland residents of any age with income up to 400% of the poverty level could get state help with premiums on top of the federal credit, with extra help for ages 18 to 37. Maryland Health Connection sets the 2027 amounts. This is in addition to the federal premium tax credit.

What are the metal tiers in Maryland (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum)?

Maryland ACA plans come in four metal tiers based on actuarial value (the percentage of medical costs the plan covers on average): Bronze (~60%), Silver (~70%), Gold (~80%), and Platinum (~90%). Bronze has the lowest premium and highest deductible; Platinum has the highest premium and lowest deductible. Silver is the "benchmark" tier used to calculate APTC subsidies, and it's the only tier eligible for Cost-Sharing Reductions if you qualify by income.

Are HSA-eligible plans available in Maryland?

Yes. HSA-eligible High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) are available in Maryland through Maryland Health Connection. For 2026, HDHPs must have a deductible of at least $1,700 (individual) or $3,400 (family), and you can contribute up to $4,400 (individual) or $8,750 (family) to your HSA pre-tax. HSA contributions roll over year-to-year and can be invested.

Do Maryland ACA plans cover dental and vision?

Maryland ACA Marketplace plans for adults include preventive care, mental health, prescriptions, hospitalization, and the 10 Essential Health Benefits, but adult dental and vision are not federally required. Most Maryland plans cover pediatric dental and vision automatically. For adult dental/vision, you typically buy a separate standalone plan through Maryland Health Connection or directly from an insurer.

What is a Qualifying Life Event for Special Enrollment in Maryland?

Outside Open Enrollment, Maryland residents can enroll in or change ACA plans within 60 days of a Qualifying Life Event: loss of other health coverage, marriage or divorce, birth or adoption of a child, moving to a new county or state, a change in income that affects subsidy eligibility, becoming a US citizen, or release from incarceration. Have documentation ready when applying through Maryland Health Connection.

How do I find in-network doctors and hospitals in Maryland?

Each Maryland ACA plan has its own provider network. Before enrolling, look up the plan on Maryland Health Connection, click the carrier name to access their provider directory, and search for your specific doctors and preferred hospitals by name. Out-of-network care typically isn't covered (HMO plans) or costs significantly more (PPO plans). Out-of-network costs can exceed the premium difference between plans.