Victims of intimate partner violence, also known as domestic violence, or victims of spousal abandonment can enroll in health insurance any time of the year through Maryland Health Connection, the state’s official health insurance marketplace. Financial help is available to lower the cost of coverage, and you can get in-person help to apply.

What victims of intimate partner violence should know:

1. If you’ve been abused or abandoned, you can enroll in your own health plan separately. Your dependents may be eligible to enroll as well.
2. If you are married to the abuser, you can state on the Maryland Health Connection application that you are unmarried. There is no penalty for misstating marital status. You also can choose to indicate that you are married but filing separately.
   • • You may be eligible to file as Head of Household if you are unmarried or considered unmarried because you
       have been living separately from your spouse for at least six months and have a qualifying dependent.
3. Based on your income, you may qualify for financial help for a health plan through Maryland Health Connection, or for free coverage through Medicaid. If you receive financial help for a qualified health plan, you should follow specific instructions on IRS Form 8962 when you file your tax return for the year.
   1. • You may find additional assistance with tax questions at www.irs.gov/taxpayer-advocate.

How to enroll:

If you have experienced domestic violence and are interested in applying for health coverage through Maryland Health Connection, contact a Maryland Health Connection representative to enroll and request to apply for a special enrollment period.

This special enrollment period is not available through the online application. Click here to find in-person help or call 1-855-642-8572. Deaf and hard of hearing use Relay service.