This tax season, Marylanders will be able to sign up for health coverage through an innovative pilot program. The Maryland Easy Enrollment Health Insurance Program is designed to increase access to quality and affordable health insurance for all Marylanders. This program will allow uninsured Marylanders to enroll in health insurance through July 15. The extended date coincides with the new state income tax filing and payment deadline, which is now July 15, 2020, due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
What is the Maryland Easy Enrollment Health Insurance Program?
The program is a partnership between the Comptroller of Maryland and Maryland Health Connection. By sharing basic information that is already included in your tax forms, like household size and income, you can learn more about free or low-cost health insurance options.
How does the program work?
- Check the box
If you’ve filed taxes before, you may remember a question that asks if you have health insurance. This year, you’ll see a new question on your state tax forms (502 and 502B). The new question states, “I authorize the Comptroller of Maryland to share information from this tax return with the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange for the purpose of determining pre-eligibility for no-cost or low-cost health care coverage.”
- File your taxes
If you check the box, after you file your taxes, the Comptroller of Maryland will share the information you provided with Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, the agency that runs Maryland Health Connection. We will check to see if you may be eligible for free or low-cost health coverage.
- Receive a letter
MHBE will then send a letter directly to you explaining what type of health coverage you are eligible for and initiating the special enrollment period.
- Enroll in coverage
You will then have 35 days from the day you receive the letter to enroll in health coverage through Maryland Health Connection by July 15. This is your chance to get a health plan and savings in 2020. You can enroll in health coverage regardless of whether or not you qualify for lower costs. If you do not check the box to share your information, you will not be able to take advantage of this special enrollment period.
How is my information protected?
This program is completely voluntary. If you choose to participate, your information will only be used to determine eligibility for health insurance and will be kept confidential. At no time will the Comptroller of Maryland share your tax information without your permission. When you check the box on your tax form, this only means you would like more information and does not enroll you in health insurance at this time.
If you need help reviewing your health insurance options or signing up. You can call 1-855-642-8572 for information on how to enroll. For specific tax-filing questions, please consult your tax return preparer or tax advisor.