Compare affordable ACA and private health insurance plans in Maryland for 2026 through Maryland Health Connection. Top carriers, metro pricing, and a licensed agent — free.
We are not a Maryland state agency, not HealthCare.gov, and not affiliated with any government marketplace. Health Enrollment Center is operated by Sprinter Insurance Agency LLC.
Maryland runs its own marketplace, Maryland Health Connection, so residents enroll through the state rather than HealthCare.gov. Maryland expanded Medicaid and layers a state premium-assistance program on top of the federal tax credit — extended for 2026 to incomes up to 400% of the poverty line — which is why roughly 177,000 residents get state help and enrollment rose about 3% to around 256,000.
For 2026 the carrier lineup includes CareFirst's BlueChoice HMO and PPO plans, Kaiser Permanente, UnitedHealthcare's Optimum Choice, and Wellpoint, after Aetna exited. Where you live shapes the network sharply: the Baltimore region is Johns Hopkins and University of Maryland territory, the DC suburbs lean on Adventist and Holy Cross, and the Eastern Shore is largely a TidalHealth market.
We're licensed in Maryland and quote its carriers directly. Below is how coverage works here — including the state premium help many residents don't realize they qualify for — plus the metros and situations we help with most.
Maryland runs its own exchange — residents can't use HealthCare.gov and enroll instead at Maryland Health Connection.
Maryland expanded Medicaid to adults up to 138% of the poverty line, and for 2026 the state extended its own premium-assistance program up to 400% FPL — so subsidies now reach further up the income scale than the federal credit alone.
These companies offer individual and family health plans in Maryland. We're an independent agency, not an insurance company, and we don't offer every plan available here. Tell us which doctors and hospitals matter to you and we'll show you what we can quote.
Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum plans that cover all ten essential health benefits — with premium tax credits for about 4 in 5 enrollees.
Explore →Bridge coverage that can start as soon as tomorrow — for the gap between jobs, plans, or enrollment periods.
Explore →Just got a COBRA letter? Losing job-based coverage opens a 60-day Special Enrollment Period — and because COBRA carries no employer contribution and no premium tax credit, the alternative is often much cheaper.
Explore →Freelancers, contractors, gig workers and small-business owners — coverage that isn't tied to an employer, and may be tax-deductible.
Explore →Plans that scale with your household — pediatric dental and vision included, with networks that keep your kids' doctors in-network.
Explore →Retired before 65? Bridge the gap to 65 without paying retiree-plan or COBRA prices.
Explore →Don't see yours? Call a licensed agent — most answers take under two minutes.
Yes. Maryland runs Maryland Health Connection, and residents enroll there rather than on HealthCare.gov. A licensed Maryland agent can enroll you in the same plans at no extra cost.
On top of the federal premium tax credit, Maryland funds its own premium assistance, extended for 2026 to incomes up to 400% of the poverty line — help that aids roughly 177,000 residents. Many people don't realize they qualify; we'll check your income against both.
For lower-income residents it's often no-cost Medicaid; above that, a subsidized Maryland Health Connection plan is usually cheapest once the federal credit and state premium assistance are applied. We compare your options for your exact ZIP and income.
No. We're a licensed insurance agency paid by the carriers, not by you. The premium of any plan is identical whether you enroll through us or directly with the insurer — you just also get an agent who handles renewals and claims questions.
No. Health Enrollment Center is a brand operated by Sprinter Insurance Agency LLC, a private licensed insurance agency. We are not HealthCare.gov, not a state exchange, and not affiliated with any government agency. We help you enroll in marketplace plans when they're the best fit, and we also show private plans the marketplace doesn't carry.
Start with your ZIP. Two quick questions, then a licensed agent brings you the plans you actually qualify for — no cost, no obligation.