State and local leaders gather to discuss future of Maryland’s health insurance marketplace
State and local leaders gathered in Salisbury Wednesday afternoon to discuss the future of Maryland's health insurance marketplace.
This meeting was the second of four regional forums held throughout the state.
The overall purpose of the forum was to discuss what's going to be new in 2019 as well as to open up a dialogue about the needs of the members of the lower shore community.
Michele Eberle, the Executive Director of the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange said, "We really want to hear from the local consumers, local stakeholders, what's important to this region and to this community and how we can best communicate to make sure that folks know that there is affordable health insurance options available."
The percentage of Maryland residents without health insurance is at a historic low of 6.1%, according to the US Census Bureau.
To get those people to enroll, officials plan on partnering with community organizations such as churches, radio stations, schools and more to educate people on how they can get insured and what options are available to them.
"Without them we would not be able to do the job that we do to serve the Lower Shore," said Leah Hicks, a Lead Health Insurance Navigator.
After addressing how to get more people to enroll, several policy changes that will affect Marylanders in 2019 were discussed.
John-Pierre Cardenas, the Director of Policy and Plan Management for the Maryland Health Connection said, "Whatever the outcome of our state innovation waiver application will be, so as a part of Senate Bill 87 and House Bill 1795 out of the General Assembly last year that Governor Hogan signed, we raised $365 million in state funds to help reduce premiums in the State of Maryland."
According to Wednesday's speakers, the Maryland State Government and our Federal Delegation have been working to get a reinsurance program in the state that will allow us to lower those premiums for 2019 and beyond, which is expected to encourage more enrollment.
Cardenas said, "So like I said in the presentation, its about $1200 a year for the average Maryland family. Premium relief, if approved, what that is expected to result in is a 5.8% increase in enrollment just because of reduced premiums."
If you're interested in enrolling, the process is very simple.
All you have to do is go to MarylandHealthConnection.gov. There, you can see what plans are available and what would be best for you. Once you've done that, you are encouraged to go to a connector entity like the Wicomico Local Health Department and look for one-on-one consumer assistance.
You can also reach out to a licensed producer who can help you with those who sell through the exchange.
