When shopping for health insurance in Maryland, you may see plans that look like real health insurance but cost less. These offers can be tempting - but some plans do not meet Affordable Care Act (ACA) standards and may leave you without important coverage when you need care the most.

When you apply through Maryland Health Connection, you’re using the state’s official health insurance marketplace. Every plan available through MarylandHealthConnection.gov meets ACA standards, includes consumer protections, and is backed by licensed insurance carriers. Don’t risk limited or misleading coverage, get peace of mind and real protection with an ACA-compliant plan through Maryland Health Connection.

What’s Included in ACA Health Plans

Plans that don't meet ACA standards, sometimes called non-ACA plans or limited-benefit plans - usually for a lower premium - do not have to cover essential services such as preventive care, mental health care, maternity and newborn care, or prescription drugs. Before you buy, make sure you understand what’s included and what’s not.

All Maryland Health Connection plans include:

• Essential health benefits, such as doctor visits, hospitalization, maternity care, prescription drugs, and mental health services

• Free preventive care, including annual checkups and vaccines

• Coverage for pre-existing conditions, with no higher costs

• Protection from surprise medical bills

View the full list of essential benefits covered through all of Maryland Health Connection’s health plans at marylandhealthconnection.gov/choose-a-plan.

Many Marylanders qualify for financial help that lowers monthly costs - or even for free coverage through Medicaid. When you buy a plan through Maryland Health Connection, you can be confident you’re getting comprehensive coverage from licensed insurers.

Protect Yourself from Scams and Unlicensed Sellers 

Marylanders should be aware of misleading marketing by unlicensed companies, scammers, and sellers of limited-benefit plans. If you get an unexpected call about health insurance, it’s safest to hang up right away. If you choose to speak with the caller, ask for their name and callback number, then contact the Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) at 1-800-492-6116 to verify they are licensed to sell health insurance in Maryland.

When you’re looking for trusted, licensed coverage from major insurance companies you recognize, choose a plan through MarylandHealthConnection.gov. Be cautious of fake websites that may look similar but are not legitimate. Always make sure you’re on the official website ending in “.gov ”.

Get Free, Licensed Help 

All assistance through Maryland Health Connection is free. Visit marylandhealthconnection.gov/find-help to connect with a certified health insurance navigator or broker in your community.

You have the right to ask anyone helping you enroll in coverage for their photo ID and State of Maryland certification.

If someone asks for payment to help you enroll, report it immediately to the Maryland Health Connection Compliance Hotline at 410-547-6862.

Learn more about protecting yourself from scams at marylandhealthconnection.gov/policies-accessibility/fraud