Federal laws will change health care in Maryland.

We are here to help you understand what’s happening and what you can do to stay covered and save money.

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Private Plans
Medicaid
Immigration
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Private Plans

The extra savings (enhanced premium tax credits) funded by the federal government are no longer in place for marketplace insurance. Financial help is still available, but many enrollees could receive less than they did before.

For 2026 health plans, Maryland is providing financial help thanks to a new state program, Maryland Premium Assistance. The amount of assistance depends on factors such as income, family size, and ZIP code. Eligible Marylanders can use the Get an Estimate tool to see how much they may save.

Starting Jan. 1, 2026:
If the following things describe you, you will no longer be eligible for financial help with a private plan starting Jan. 1, 2026:

• If your income is below 100% of the federal poverty level and

• You are not eligible for Medicaid due to your immigration status

You are still eligible to enroll in a private plan through Maryland Health Connection but would have to pay the full cost.

Starting Jan. 1 2027:
Many legally present Marylanders will no longer be eligible for financial assistance when enrolling in a private plan.

Because of federal law, the only noncitizens eligible for financial assistance with a private plan will be:

• Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR or green card holders)

• Cuban and Haitian non-citizens

• Compact of Free Association (COFA migrants)

You will still be eligible to enroll in a private plan through Maryland Health Connection in 2027 but you would have to pay the full cost.

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Medicaid

For now, there are no changes to member eligibility, services, or coverage. Before any change happens, we will send you an official notice.

Nothing is changing with gender affirming care and Medicaid in Maryland.

For benefits or services information, call your managed care organization on the back of your insurance card or HealthChoice at 800-284-4510.

Changes coming to Medicaid Oct. 1, 2026:
Some non-citizens will no longer qualify for Medicaid, including:

• Asylees

• Refugees

• Non-citizens granted parole for at least one year

• Certain victims of abuse or trafficking

Some non-citizens will still qualify for Medicaid, including:

• Green card holders who meet the five-year rule

• Cuban and Haitian non-citizens

• Compact of Free Association (COFA) migrants

• Pregnant people and children who currently qualify

Read about current Medicaid immigration status requirements.

Changes coming to Medicaid in 2027:
Medicaid will require some adults to complete 80 hours each month of approved activities to keep Medicaid coverage.

Medicaid coverage will renew every six months instead of every 12 months. Maryland Medicaid will let you know when this change goes into effect for you.

Medicaid will pay for fewer months of retroactive medical bills. Medicaid may pay for one month of prior expenses for certain adults and up to two months for other groups.

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Immigration

Pregnant individuals of any immigration status are eligible for Medicaid under the Healthy Babies Program. Even though other changes are coming, the Healthy Babies Program will not change.

Starting Jan. 1, 2026:
If the following applies to you, you will no longer be eligible for financial help with a private plan:

• Your income is below 100% of the federal poverty level, and

• You are not eligible for Medicaid due to your immigration status

You are still eligible to enroll in a private plan through Maryland Health Connection but would have to pay the full cost.

Starting Oct. 1, 2026:
Some non-citizens will no longer qualify for Medicaid, including:

• Asylees

• Refugees

• Non-citizens granted parole for at least one year

• Certain victims of abuse or trafficking

Some non-citizens will still qualify for Medicaid, including:

• Green card holders who meet the five-year rule

• Cuban and Haitian non-citizens

• Compact of Free Association (COFA) migrants

• Pregnant people and children who currently qualify

Read about current Medicaid immigration status requirements.

Starting Jan. 1 2027:
Many legally present Marylanders will no longer be eligible for financial assistance when enrolling in a private plan.

Because of federal law, the only noncitizens eligible for financial assistance with a private plan will be:

• (Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR or green card holders)

• Cuban and Haitian noncitizens

• Compact of Free Association (COFA migrants)

You will still be eligible to enroll in a private plan through Maryland Health Connection in 2027 but you would have to pay the full cost.

Back to Top