Maryland: @MarylandConnect re-opens enrollment thru 3/15 due to ongoing #COVID19 pandemic

Just announced moments ago:

As part of the state’s overall response to the coronavirus, and in an effort to prioritize health and safety, Maryland Health Connection opened a new special enrollment period for uninsured Marylanders to enroll in a private health plan. Here’s what you need to know:

When your coverage begins

The coronavirus emergency special enrollment period will begin immediately and ends Monday, March 15. Here are the dates coverage will begin, depending on what day you enrolled in a health plan:

• Enroll now-Jan. 15, coverage starts Jan.1
• Enroll Jan. 16-Feb. 15, coverage starts Feb.1
• Enroll Feb. 16-March 15, coverage starts March.1

How do I enroll?

To enroll, visit MarylandHealthConnection.gov or download the free “Enroll MHC” mobile app. Select “Coronavirus Emergency Special Enrollment Period.”

Trained navigators and brokers can help you enroll by phone.

This enrollment period is for new enrollments of uninsured Marylanders who are eligible, not an opportunity for currently enrolled consumers to change plans. It is for private health plans only. If you are eligible for Medicaid, you can enroll any time of year.

Get help enrolling

Free consumer assistance is available by calling 855-642-8572 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Deaf and hard of hearing use Relay. Help is available in more than 200 languages.

We encourage you to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) for all health-related coronavirus questions.

What you need to apply

• Birthdates
• Social Security numbers (or document numbers for legal immigrants)
• Proof of citizenship or immigration status
• Tax returns for previous years
• Employer and income info (pay stubs, W-2 forms)
• Policy numbers for any current health insurance
• Information about any job-related coverage you or someone in your household is eligible for

Is Coronavirus care covered under a Maryland Health Connection plan or Medicaid?

Yes. Health insurance companies are required to waive cost-sharing, including lab fees, co-payments, coinsurance, and deductibles for any visit to test for coronavirus at a doctor’s office, urgent care center, or emergency room.

Can you qualify for the Coronavirus Emergency Special Enrollment Period even if you’re not sick?

Yes. All eligible, uninsured Marylanders may qualify for this emergency special enrollment period.

Coronavirus background

Coronavirus is a disease caused by a respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in December 2019. The coronavirus is a new virus that hasn't caused illness in humans before. Worldwide, coronavirus has resulted in thousands of infections, causing illness and in some cases death. Cases have spread to countries throughout the world, with more cases reported daily.

How the coronavirus spreads:

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet)
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks
• These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
• Some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus.
• The best way to prevent illness is to avoid exposure to the coronavirus.

Symptoms of coronavirus include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

The vast majority of people recover from this infection. Most people will have mild or moderate symptoms. Older people and those with pre-existing medical conditions have a greater risk for more serious illness.