LESS THAN A WEEK LEFT FOR UNINSURED PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY RESIDENTS TO ENROLL IN HEALTH INSURANCE

Landover, MD—Prince George’s County Health Connect, a program of the Department of Social
Services (DSS), is urging uninsured Prince Georgians to enroll in health coverage before the
June 15 Coronavirus Emergency special enrollment period deadline. To date, nearly 7,700
residents have received health coverage during this special enrollment period through
Maryland Health Connection, due to Governor Larry Hogan’s State of Emergency
announcement in March.
“Health care disparities are linked to the lack of access to health care,” says Gloria Brown
Burnett, DSS Director for Prince George’s County. “Recent events make it clear that access to
health care is critical for all residents—particularly communities of color. We want every
eligible resident to take advantage of this opportunity and Get Covered!”
Individuals who enroll in private health plans through Maryland Health Connection today
through June 15 will have a coverage start date of June 1. While you do not have to be sick to
seek coverage, health insurance companies on Maryland Health Connection cover testing,
visits relating to testing, and treatment of COVID-19. These consumers will not be billed for a
copay, coinsurance or deductible for services to test, diagnose and treat COVID-19.
“During this time of heightened awareness of the need for health coverage due to the
coronavirus and loss of job-based coverage, Maryland Health Connection is offering options for
free and low-cost health insurance,” says Michele Eberle, executive director of Maryland Health
Benefit Exchange. “Please reach out to your friends, families, and communities to let them
know coverage is available. The deadline is approaching quickly, but with your help we can
work together to ensure every person has the coverage they need.”
As the state faces record levels of unemployment, many Marylanders are losing health
coverage offered by employers. Individuals who lose coverage through their jobs have 60 days
from loss of coverage to enroll. If they’ve missed that deadline, they can get coverage through
Maryland Health Connection under the Coronavirus Special Enrollment Period through June 15.
Last year, nine out of 10 Marylanders who enrolled through Maryland Health Connection were
eligible for free coverage or financial help to lower the cost of their health insurance. This
special enrollment period is for private health plans. Those who qualify for Medicaid may enroll
any time of year.
An additional special enrollment for Maryland tax filers runs through July 15. The Maryland
Easy Enrollment Health Insurance Program gives tax filers the option to share information,
such as household size and income, with the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange to see if they
are eligible for free or low-cost health insurance. Those who check the box on state tax forms
(502 and 502B) will receive a letter from Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, letting them know
whether they are eligible for free or low-cost health coverage.
To speak directly with a navigator in Prince George’s County or to enroll in health insurance,
call (301) 927-4500 or (240) 719-2167.
To enroll, visit MarylandHealthConnection.gov. Individuals also can download the free “Enroll
MHC” mobile app. Free consumer assistance is available by calling 855-642-8572 from 8 a.m.
to 6 p.m. on weekdays.
Help is available in more than 200 languages through the call center, as well as Relay service
for the deaf and hard of hearing. Trained navigators and brokers statewide offer free help
enrolling by phone. You can find information at MarylandHealthConnection.gov.

#

The Maryland Health Benefit Exchange (MHBE) is a public corporation and independent
unit of the state government. It was established in 2011 in accordance with the Patient
Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA) and is responsible for the administration of
Maryland Health Connection.
Maryland Health Connection is the state-based health insurance marketplace. Residents
can compare and enroll in health insurance as well as determine eligibility for Medicaid or
financial help with private plans.
The Prince George’s County Department of Social Services is in the business of providing
opportunities for residents of the County to become independent, responsible and stable
members of the community. We do this by providing intervention services that strengthen
families, protect children and vulnerable adults, encourage self-sufficiency and promote
personal responsibility.