How do I apply for health coverage in Maryland?

For Maryland residents, the plans you'll see on Stride are available through the Maryland Health Connection, Maryland's official marketplace. 

As your broker, we’ve put together this guide to help you complete your application so you can pick the right plan that fits your needs and budget. 

Here’s what you can expect: 

Step 1 - Create your Maryland Health Connection account and add Stride as broker

Step 2 - Submit an application to confirm eligibility 

Step 3 - Select your plan & pay your first premium 

Step 4 - Upload requested documents

Due to concerns caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19), MD Health Connection has announced that there will be a new Special Enrollment Period for uninsured residents to sign up for health insurance through MD Health Connection through December 15th. 

Step 1) Create an account and add Stride as your broker

Click here to get started. Enter in your email and set your username and password. You’ll get an email with a link to activate your account and set up 2 step verification. 

Add Stride as your broker so we can help you throughout the year. 

Click the button at the top right that says “Get Help.”

• Enter “Stride Health” in the search bar

• Then select Noah Lang who will be attached as your broker.

Stride Tip → Confused whose name that is? It’s our CEO, Noah Lang! 

Step 2) Submit an application to confirm your eligibility

Introduction

Log back into your account and select “Start New Application” and select “Health.”

Add Your Family Members

Enter how many members you’ll be adding to your application (even if they aren’t getting health insurance.) In general, people you add to your application are the family members you claim as dependents when you file your taxes. 

Stride Tip → Be sure to click “No” if a member does not need health insurance. Add your contact information, address, and if you have a mailing address enter that in here as well.

Verify Your Identity

Answer a few questions to verify your identity. These questions are straightforward and should be simple to answer. If you are unsure, be sure to click “none of the above” instead of guessing the answer.

Optional: Individual Details

Answer a few questions about yourself and the members of your family. Most of these questions are optional, but certain answers to these questions may qualify you for other government assistance programs.

Taxes

• Single: Just you 

• Head of Household: You and dependents 

• Married Filing Jointly: You and a spouse, and potentially dependents

• Married Filing Separate: You and a spouse (Note-you will not receive any government assistance if this is your tax status)

Estimating Your Income

Watch out, this section causes the most errors! Follow along carefully.

• Current Income: Enter in your income. Be sure to subtract your business deductions from this number.

• Deductions: If you have any personal deductions, enter them in the section labeled “Deductions for [YOUR NAME]”. Some examples of this are student loan interest or alimony paid.

• Total Income: Your total income should match the income you input on Stride.

Having trouble calculating your income? Click here to learn how to estimate it. 

Select Your Qualifying Event

Examples of regular qualifying life events include: 

• Losing job-based coverage

• Having a baby

• Getting married or divorced

• Moving to a new zip code or county

• Getting released from prison  

Get the full list of common qualifying events here.

The COVID-19 Special Enrollment is different from a regular Special Enrollment Period because you do not need a qualifying event, you just need to be uninsured this year. Just make sure that you select the option: State of Emergency in Maryland caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Review and Submit Your Application

Keep going, you’re almost to the end! Review your application to make sure everything looks correct.

Things to keep an eye on:

• Your ‘Yearly Income’ matches what you entered on Stride

• Your Tax Filing status; if you’re married and filing separately you do not qualify for a subsidy! So be sure to choose the best option for your household.

• You entered in only members that you claim on your taxes

Once you’re done, submit your application!

Stride Tip → After submitting your application, you’ll see your eligibility results. Click the “Eligibility Determination” tab. This will tell you about your eligibility to enroll in a Maryland Health Connection plan and what date your health coverage will begin. It can take up to 24 hours for this information to appear. Sometimes Maryland Health Connection requests that you upload some proof of documentation. Make sure to note down what documents they are requesting and be sure to submit it on time (otherwise you could lose your coverage!)

Step 3) Choose Your Plan and Finish Enrolling

Now all you need to do is select your plan on the exchange website. 

Select your plan of choice, checkout, and you’re done! If you are receiving a subsidy be sure to select how much of your assistance you’d like to use. Don’t forget, if you need to upload eligibility documents, be sure to do it on time.

Stride Tip → You are not guaranteed coverage until you submit your first month’s payment. To ensure that you are covered, submit your payment directly to your carrier after you enroll.

Just note, since this Special Enrollment Period is only for people who are uninsured, you won’t be able to switch plans if you are already enrolled in a health plan.