Seedco, the Upper Eastern Shore Connector for the Maryland Health Connection, and the Eastern Shore Area Health Education Center (ESAHEC) announce health insurance options while general enrollment is closed. Maryland residents may still enroll in health insurance if they have a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) or are eligible for Medicaid.
Marriage, the birth of a child, or changes in income or employment status are some of the qualifying life events that may trigger a special enrollment period allowing someone to enroll in a qualified health plan or change their plan outside of the usual open enrollment period. Other QLEs include losing coverage on a parent’s plan, a change in immigration status, or moving to Maryland from another State.
Financial assistance for health care is based on age, household size, and income. For example, a one person household with an annual income less than $15,856 may be eligible for Medicaid. The same household with an income of $15,857 to $45,960 per year may be eligible for a subsidy to help pay the cost of a qualified health plan. The amount of subsidy is a sliding scale that factors in age as well as household size and income. Cost sharing reductions are also available to help cover out of pocket costs for consumers in households with income that is less than 250% of federal poverty limits.
Qualified Healthcare plans include ten essential healthcare benefits including preventive care, hospitalization, mental health treatment, laboratory services, and prescription drugs. Medicaid also covers basic adult dental and vision services.
The next general open enrollment period for qualified health plans begins November 15, 2014, with coverage effective January 1, 2015. Medicaid enrollment is open all year long. Seedco and ESAHEC encourage residents to seek enrollment assistance from a qualified in-person assister. To locate the navigator or assister in your County, please contact Seedco at 410-996-4839. Queen Anne’s County residents may also call Hope Clark at (443) 515-0084; Kent County residents may call Alison Farmer at (443) 515-0106; or Talbot County residents may contact Regina Carpenter at 443-515-0069.
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