State health insurance market to open special enrollment period

Feb. 26--Maryland Health Connection, the state's health insurance market, will offer a special enrollment period during the tax season.

As part of filing taxes, people must specify whether they have insurance as it is mandated through the Affordable Care Act. Those who do not have it must pay a fine, said Michele Eberle, executive director of the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange.

Now, those who do not have insurance will be able to send their information to Maryland Health Connection to see if they are eligible for insurance as part of a partnership with the Maryland Comptroller's Office, Eberle said.

"And we say, what we hear all the time is that Marylanders still don't know what options are available for them. That they could get low-cost or free health insurance, or even if health insurance is available," Eberle said.

Once a person's information is received, the health insurance exchange will send them information about enrolling in a plan, if they are eligible. Once a person receives notice, they'll have between 30 and 35 days to enroll, she said.

People will be able to submit information on the paper form or any tax provider service.

Information will start going out within the next three weeks for those who already signed up to get information on health care plans. Once the program is up and running, people will receive information within days, she said.

Once people get the letter, they can contact the exchange for assistance with applying for insurance. They can enroll online, through a health insurance navigator or through the call center.

"We really encourage them to reach out, and we're here to help," she said.

The goal at the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange is for all Maryland residents to have coverage. Right now, about 6 percent do not, and the exchange is looking to find out who they are, Eberle said.

The special enrollment applies only for qualified health plans. Those eligible for Maryland Medical Assistance can enroll year-round.

Follow Heather Mongilio on Twitter: @HMongilio.

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