Maryland Health Insurance

According to the Center for Disease Control, between 2001 and 2003 an average of 13.2% of Maryland residents went uninsured each year for Maryland health insurance.

Maryland Health Insurance Regulations

All Maryland health insurance policies must contain a guaranteed renew ability provision that guarantees an individual the right to renew an existing Maryland health insurance policy. This is guaranteed provided the individual has not provided any false information and has paid all premiums on time.

Some Maryland health insurance companies can include a pre-existing condition exclusion period. In Maryland, a pre-existing condition is one for which an individual was diagnosed or treated during the 7 years prior to the beginning of the new Maryland health insurance plan. Maryland medical insurance plans do not provide coverage for the medical condition during the pre-existing exclusion period.

Under Maryland health insurance law the pre-existing exclusion period is limited to two years after the beginning of the Maryland health insurance policy. Maryland medical insurance policies can also have elimination riders that prevent an existing medical condition from ever being covered under that policy. Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) in Maryland are prohibited from imposing a pre-existing exclusion period or elimination riders.

Provided there is no lapse in coverage, old Maryland health insurance policies can be credited towards the pre-existing exclusion period of new Maryland medical insurance plans.

Individual Maryland health insurance companies can deny insurance policies to any individual based on health or age. Maryland medical insurance under an employer, however, cannot be denied or limited or ask the individual to pay more. There are no limits, however, on individual Maryland health insurance rates.

Individual Maryland health insurance that covers dependents automatically covers newborns and adopted children from time of birth or adoption for the first 31 days. After this time the individual must make adjustments to the Maryland health insurance policy.

Alternative Maryland Health Insurance Options

For individuals who might be deemed “uninsurable” by some Maryland health insurance companies or who might not otherwise qualify or be able to afford individual Maryland medical insurance, there are some state programs available to help:

• Maryland Medicaid is available to individuals who qualify and meet the eligibility criteria.
• Maryland Health Insurance Plan (MHIP) is the state high-risk pool that provides Maryland health insurance to qualifying individuals who might otherwise be “uninsurable”. Pre-existing exclusion period may apply. MHIP also has periods of open enrollment.
• Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP) is designed to provide Maryland health insurance to children up to 19 years of age and pregnant women whose families may not qualify for Medicaid but might not be able to afford Maryland medical insurance.

Maryland Insurance Administration

Maryland Insurance Administration:

Maryland Insurance Administration
525 St. Paul Place
Baltimore, MD 21202-2272
410-468-2000 •1-800-492-6116 (toll free)

Maryland Health Care Commission

Maryland Health Care Commission:

4160 Patterson Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21215
General Information Number: (410) 764-3460
Toll Free: 1(877) 245-1762
Fax #'s: (410) 358-1236

---

For other Maryland Insurance Resources, See:

• Maryland Auto Insurance
• Maryland Home Insurance
• Maryland Health Insurance

---

Connect With Maryland Health Insurance Agents Now By Filling Out The Quick Form At The Top Of The Page.

Health insurance quotes are provided by licensed agents and brokers that partner with USInsuranceOnline to help consumers compare rates and save money.