Maryland: @MarylandConnect latest to extend #COVID19 SEP thru August 15th

In what's become a pretty expected move, the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange is also extending their COVID SEP out thru mid-August:

GOV. HOGAN ANNOUNCES EXTENSION OF STATE HEALTH INSURANCE SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD UNTIL AUG. 15

(BALTIMORE) — Gov. Larry Hogan and Maryland Health Benefit Exchange announced today that the state health insurance marketplace, Maryland Health Connection, will extend its current Coronavirus Special Enrollment Period. Uninsured Marylanders have the opportunity to enroll in health coverage now until Aug. 15.

This deadline aligns with the federal special enrollment period extension announced by President Joe Biden for those 35 states that use HealthCare.gov, the federally run health insurance marketplace.

“We are pleased to announce the additional extension of this special enrollment period to Aug. 15, which

is already one of the nation’s longest in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Governor Hogan.

“Our administration remains committed to ensuring Marylanders have access to the resources they need

to weather the pandemic and come back stronger and healthier.”

“We recognize the urgency of getting and keeping people insured during this critical time. Maryland Health Connection will once again align with the federal administration as well as other state marketplaces across the country to make health insurance more accessible as the pandemic continues to have devastating effects,” said Michele Eberle, executive director of the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange.

Coverage start dates follow:

• Enroll now–April 15, coverage starts April 1
• Enroll April 16–May 15, coverage starts May 1
• Enroll May 16-June 15, coverage starts June 1
• Enroll June 16-July 15, coverage starts July 1
• Enroll July 16-Aug. 15, coverage starts Aug. 1

Those who are eligible for Medicaid can enroll any time of year. Health coverage through Maryland Health Connection covers costs for coronavirus tests at doctor’s offices, urgent care centers or emergency rooms.

Since the pandemic spurred a public health emergency in March 2020, Maryland Health Connection has recognized the invaluable need for health insurance by running a coronavirus special enrollment period. Thus far, more than 144,000 Marylanders have enrolled, most of whom have received free or low-cost coverage.