Maryland Health Insurance Guide

Health Insurance Overview in Maryland

Maryland operates Maryland Health Connection, a state-based marketplace. Maryland expanded Medicaid in 2014 and has implemented a reinsurance program that has significantly reduced marketplace premiums — Maryland has seen some of the largest premium reductions from reinsurance in the nation. Maryland has strong consumer assistance programs.

Average Health Insurance Costs in Maryland

Health insurance premiums in Maryland vary significantly based on age, plan type (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum), insurer, and income-based subsidies. The figures below represent estimated 2026 benchmark premiums before ACA subsidies for a 40-year-old individual and family of four.

Coverage Type	Monthly Premium	Annual Premium
Individual (benchmark Silver)	$495/mo	$5940/yr
Family of Four (benchmark Silver)	$1,415/mo	$16980/yr
Avg. Annual Deductible	$4,200

Premiums shown are before ACA subsidies. Most marketplace enrollees receive premium tax credits that significantly reduce these costs. Use our Health Insurance Calculator to estimate your net premium after subsidies.

Marketplace Enrollment in Maryland

Maryland residents can enroll in individual and family health insurance plans through Maryland Health Connection (State-Based). Open enrollment runs November 1 – January 15 (Maryland Health Connection). Outside of open enrollment, a qualifying life event (job loss, marriage, birth of a child, move to a new state) triggers a Special Enrollment Period during which you can enroll or change plans.

Average Premiums by City in Maryland

Health insurance premiums vary by location within Maryland, reflecting local healthcare costs, provider availability, and insurer competition. The following estimated monthly individual premiums are based on a benchmark Silver plan for a 40-year-old non-smoker.

City	Est. Monthly Premium (Silver, age 40)
Baltimore	$512/mo
Frederick	$482/mo
Rockville	$498/mo
Gaithersburg	$495/mo
Annapolis	$490/mo
Bowie	$488/mo

Medicaid in Maryland

Maryland Medicaid (HealthChoice) covers adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level. Maryland has expanded to cover certain additional populations.

Children's Health Insurance (CHIP) in Maryland

Maryland Children's Health Program covers children up to 322% of the federal poverty level.

What Makes Maryland Unique

Maryland's reinsurance program — implemented in 2019 — has been one of the most successful in the nation at reducing marketplace premiums, achieving premium reductions of approximately 30% compared to pre-reinsurance rates. Maryland's program is frequently cited as a model for other states considering reinsurance.

ACA Subsidies: What Maryland Residents Should Know

Premium tax credits (subsidies) are available for Maryland residents who purchase coverage through the marketplace and have incomes between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level (or higher in states with additional state subsidies). The subsidy amount is based on the cost of the benchmark Silver plan in your area and your income. For 2026, the enhanced subsidies first enacted in the American Rescue Plan have been extended, providing more substantial assistance across a broader income range than before.

Cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) provide additional savings on deductibles and copays for those who enroll in Silver plans with incomes between 100-250% of the federal poverty level. Silver plans with CSRs often provide Gold or Platinum-level value at Silver premiums, making them the best value for eligible enrollees.

Tips for Choosing Health Insurance in Maryland

Maryland residents should enroll through Maryland Health Connection to access state-specific benefits and Maryland's reinsurance-reduced premiums. Medicaid (HealthChoice) covers low-income adults. Maryland's reinsurance program has made marketplace plans more affordable than in many comparable states.

• Enroll during open enrollment (November 1 – January 15 (Maryland Health Connection)) — missing the deadline means waiting until the next open enrollment unless you have a qualifying life event.
• Check both Medicaid eligibility and marketplace subsidy eligibility — your income determines which program you qualify for.
• Don't just compare premiums — also compare deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, and whether your doctors are in-network.
• Silver plans with cost-sharing reductions (for incomes 100-250% FPL) typically offer the best overall value despite higher premiums than Bronze plans.
• Use our Health Insurance Calculator to estimate your total annual cost (premium + expected out-of-pocket) for different plan options.

The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects estimated industry averages and program eligibility rules as of 2026. Health insurance premiums, Medicaid eligibility thresholds, marketplace options, and program rules change annually. Always verify current eligibility and enrollment options at the official Maryland Health Connection (State-Based) or by contacting a certified navigator or broker. Premium figures shown are approximations before subsidies — actual net premiums depend on individual income, household size, and plan selection.