Maryland Medicaid (HealthChoice) 2026: How to Apply

Maryland Medicaid is health coverage that pays doctors and hospitals; it isn't cash, a grant or a loan, and applying never costs anything. Every income line by household size is in our Maryland Medicaid income limits guide.

Maryland Medicaid at a Glance (November 2026)

Maryland runs 3 names for what most people just call Medicaid: Maryland Medical Assistance is the legal program, HealthChoice is the managed care system most members are enrolled in, and the Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP) covers kids above the regular Medicaid line. According to the MDH income limits data and the Maryland Health Connection pages Grantsights read on November 13, 2026, here's how each piece works:

Enrollment is open all year, so a layoff in March or a pregnancy in August doesn't have to wait for an open enrollment window. Maryland Health Connection says Medicaid and MCHP enrollment "is available any time of year."

Who Qualifies for Maryland Medicaid in 2026

At $1,835 a month, the single-adult line works out to roughly $10.60 an hour for someone on a 40-hour week, so a full-time job often lifts a single adult over it. That's why many working parents in Baltimore or Frederick find that their kids qualify while they don't. MDH's routes in:

• Adults 19 to 64, parents or not, through the expansion group. There's no asset test.
• Children under 19 through Medicaid or MCHP. The children's line for a family of four is $8,855 a month on the February 2026 chart, more than double the adult figure.
• Pregnant people, counting each expected baby in the household size, plus postpartum coverage.
• People 65 and older, blind or disabled, who use non-MAGI rules that count savings and other resources. Anyone on SSI gets Medicaid automatically.
• Working adults with disabilities through the Employed Individuals with Disabilities buy-in, which has no income cap.

Income means gross monthly pay before taxes under federal MAGI rules for adults, kids and pregnancy. The national Medicaid income limits guide compares Maryland's lines with neighboring states.

Immigrants: a change took effect October 1, 2026. According to the Maryland Health Connection Check-In guide, some immigrant adults stopped qualifying that day. Adults still qualify if they're lawful permanent residents, Cuban or Haitian entrants, or Compact of Free Association (COFA) migrants. MDH says children and pregnant people won't lose coverage under this rule, and the Healthy Babies program isn't changing. Pregnant noncitizens can still get coverage from the start of pregnancy through 4 months postpartum, with up to 3 months of back coverage that can't reach earlier than the pregnancy, per Maryland Health Connection's enrollment page.

What HealthChoice Covers and the 9 MCOs

The HealthChoice MCO comparison chart dated February 1, 2026 lists 9 managed care organizations (MCOs) and the basic services every one of them must cover: doctor visits and check-ups, Healthy Kids check-ups and shots, prescription drugs, X-rays and labs, urgent care, emergency care (including out of state), hospital stays, prenatal and postpartum care, family planning, home health, and eye exams and glasses for children under 21.

Source: MDH HealthChoice MCO comparison chart (opens in a new tab), dated February 1, 2026, checked November 13, 2026.

Not every MCO takes new members everywhere. The chart's "Open Areas" row lists several plans as statewide, limits others to named counties, and marks one as closed to new enrollment, so look at that row for your county before you pick. If you don't choose, MDH's HealthChoice page says the state assigns an MCO for you.

Adult dental is covered. The chart says all HealthChoice enrollees, adults included, get dental care through the Maryland Healthy Smiles Dental Program (1-855-934-9812), which sits outside the MCOs.

Adult vision is thin by default. MCOs must cover one eye exam every 2 years for adults but no glasses; any adult eyeglass or contact lens allowance is an MCO extra that can change at the start of each year. Several plans on the February 2026 chart add frames or lenses, so compare that row if you wear glasses.

Mental health and substance use care outside primary care is run separately from the MCOs through Behavioral Health Services Maryland at (800) 888-1965, per the chart.

Copays: the chart says there are no pharmacy copays for children under 21, pregnant women or family planning. Adult pharmacy copays vary by MCO and are listed inside the chart. There's no monthly premium for Medicaid or MCHP.

How to Apply for Maryland Medicaid, Step by Step

Maryland gives you 4 front doors: Maryland Health Connection, DHS's marylandbenefits.gov portal, a local department of social services and a local health department. Which one fits depends mostly on why you qualify.

Step 1: Pick the right door

Source: Maryland Health Connection enrollment page and DHS medical assistance page (opens in a new tab), both checked November 13, 2026.

Step 2: Have these ready

Social Security numbers for everyone applying, your most recent pay stubs or tax return, proof of identity and Maryland address, immigration papers if you're not a citizen, and any job-based insurance information. Seniors and long-term care applicants also need bank statements, life insurance policies and records of any property. Apply even if something's missing; Maryland Health Connection says you'll get a notice if it needs documents.

Step 3: Answer every verification notice

Maryland's own time limits run from the day your application arrives to the day the agency mails its decision. DHS transmittal 19-10 sets 30 days for MAGI applicants, 45 days for aged, blind and long-term care applicants, 60 days for disability-based applicants and 10 days for pregnant applicants at a local health department. All of those sit inside the federal ceiling in 42 CFR 435.912 (opens in a new tab) of 45 days, or 90 for disability. The transmittal says a long-term care application missing verification on day 45 gets denied, so slow paperwork costs you.

Step 4: Choose a doctor and an MCO

Ask your doctors which MCOs they accept, then choose in your Maryland Health Connection account, in the app or by phone. The HealthChoice Helpline at 1-800-284-4510 handles questions about MCOs and care problems after you're enrolled.

For example, one applicant in Hagerstown, a father raising a 6-year-old and a 9-year-old alone on $2,900 a month from a warehouse job, is under MDH's $3,142 line for a household of three, so all three qualify for Medicaid with no premium. In 2027 he wouldn't need to log hours: caring for a child under 14 is a listed exception, and his pay is far above $580 anyway (an illustration built from MDH's February 2026 figures, not a real case).

Back Coverage, Renewals and Reporting Changes

Back coverage for old bills is shrinking in 2027. The Maryland pages Grantsights read on November 13, 2026 don't state a general look-back period, apart from the up-to-3-months rule for pregnant noncitizens. Federal law has long let states cover up to 3 months before the application month, and section 71112 of Public Law 119-21 cuts that for applications dated January 1, 2027 or later: 1 month for expansion adults and 2 months for other groups. CMS's April 2026 Medicaid and CHIP policy roadmap (opens in a new tab) puts the retroactive eligibility change in 2027. If you've got unpaid hospital bills from late 2026, apply before December 31 and ask the agency in writing to check the months before your application.

Reporting changes. MDH's changes page says certain income and household changes must be reported within 10 days, through your Maryland Health Connection account or at 1-855-642-8572.

Renewals. Through 2026, most members renew once a year. Maryland Health Connection says that starting January 1, 2027, some adults will renew two times a year (every 6 months), and MDH's FAQ says those renewals may ask about both income and work activities. Your renewal notice will say which schedule applies to you.

Maryland Medicaid Work Rules Starting January 2027

Up to 320,000 Maryland Medicaid members face new rules, according to Maryland Health Connection's Medicaid Check-In page. They apply to some adults 19 to 64, and MDH's FAQ flyer says the people affected generally earn up to about $21,000 a year alone or $44,000 for a family of four. The federal interim final rule (opens in a new tab) behind them was published June 3, 2026.

What counts each month, per Maryland Health Connection:

• Earning at least $580 a month from a job
• Going to school at least half-time
• 80 hours a month of any mix of paid work, school, job training and volunteering

How Maryland checks. From January 1, 2027, Maryland Health Connection will check whether you meet the rule using data it already has, and it'll send a letter or email only if it needs more proof. When you renew in 2027, you must show you met the rule for at least one month. Notices went out in September 2026 to members who'll need to meet it.

Who doesn't have to meet it, from the Check-In page:

• General: under 19, 65 or older, on Medicare Part A or B, or released from jail or prison in the past 90 days
• Special: under 26 and formerly in foster care; American Indian or Alaska Native; caring for a child under 14 or a person with a disability; a veteran with a disability; pregnant or gave birth in the past 12 months; getting TANF and following its work rules; subject to SNAP work rules; or currently in jail or prison
• Health conditions: blindness or a physical disability, a mental health condition, a substance use disorder or being in treatment, or a complex medical condition
• Short-term hardship: an overnight hospital, nursing home or care center stay since your last renewal, or travel outside your area for medical care for you or a family member
• Local: living in an area with high unemployment or a declared emergency; Maryland says it'll send a letter if this applies

To see whether the rule applies to you, log in to your account, use Maryland Health Connection's online tool, or ask its virtual assistant. For help finding training or volunteer hours, Maryland Benefits runs a job training search tool linked from the Check-In page.

What MDH Doesn't Tell You

The Maryland Department of Health's pages are clear on the basics, but Grantsights analysis of the MDH, Maryland Health Connection and DHS pages turned up 6 gaps:

1. Two agencies split the work. Maryland Health Connection handles adults, families and pregnancy, while DHS and local social services handle seniors, disability and long-term care. Calling the wrong one wastes days. Start with the table in Step 1.
2. The pregnancy door at the health department is fastest. A 10-day standard beats the 30-day standard online, and the local health department can help with the Healthy Babies route for noncitizens.
3. Most people won't have to do anything for the work rule. Maryland plans to check existing wage and program data first. Don't send pay stubs until a notice asks, but do open every letter.
4. "Healthy Smiles" isn't your MCO. Dental claims and dentist lists run through a separate program and phone line, so your MCO's member services can't fix a dental problem.
5. Glasses depend on the plan you pick. The required adult benefit is an exam every 2 years with no glasses; frames and lenses come only from MCO extras.
6. Keeping coverage during an appeal has a short clock. You get 90 days to appeal, but only 10 calendar days if you want your coverage to continue while you wait.

Common Mistakes and Red Flags

A common mistake is reading only the adult line. A Silver Spring mother earning $3,300 a month in a family of three is $158 over MDH's $3,142 adult limit, yet both of her children qualify with room to spare under the $7,332 children's line. Apply for the whole household so the system checks each person.

Other ways Marylanders lose or miss coverage:

• Missing a renewal or verification notice. In 2027, six-month renewals double the paperwork for some adults. Keep your email, phone and mailing address current in your Maryland Health Connection account.
• Not reporting a raise or a move within 10 days. MDH asks for certain changes within 10 days, and a late report can mean a bill for months you weren't eligible.
• Underestimating the exception list. Caregivers, people in treatment and parents of a child under 14 don't have to log hours, but Maryland may ask for proof.
• Applying through the wrong door. A 70-year-old with Medicare belongs with DHS's aged, blind and disabled programs or a Medicare Savings Program, not the expansion group.
• Skipping the MCO appeal. For a denied service, MDH says you must appeal to your MCO within 60 days before you can ask for a state fair hearing.

Red flags: a website, caller or text that charges a fee to "fast-track" Maryland Medicaid, asks for gift cards, or wants your Maryland Health Connection password is a scam. Avoid anyone selling help that navigators and local health departments give for free. Your best bet is to apply only through marylandhealthconnection.gov, marylandbenefits.gov, the official app, 1-855-642-8572 or a local office.

Appeals: 90 Days, or 10 to Keep Coverage

According to the Maryland Medicaid program's appeal page (opens in a new tab), you have 90 days from the date on your notice to request a fair hearing, and 10 calendar days from the notice date, postmark or effective date (whichever is later) to keep your Medicaid while the appeal is pending. File with MDH's online form (you'll get an email receipt), by mail to Medicaid Appeals, 201 West Preston St., L9, Baltimore, MD 21201, or by fax to 410-333-5154. Read the reason on the notice first: a household size error or an old pay stub is often the whole problem, and a corrected document can end the dispute faster than a hearing.

Other Help in Maryland

Many HealthChoice households also qualify for food, energy and rent help, and some of it uses the same DHS case:

• Food: our Maryland food stamps guide has the income chart, and the Maryland SNAP benefits guide covers applying for Food Supplement benefits.
• Heating and electric bills: see our Maryland LIHEAP guide.
• Pregnancy and children under 5: the WIC income limits guide explains Maryland WIC eligibility.
• Rent: behind on rent in Prince George's or Baltimore County? The rental assistance programs guide covers emergency housing help.

To see other programs that may fit your household, try Grantsights' free eligibility checker. It points to official programs; only Maryland Health Connection, DHS or a local office can approve Medicaid.

FAQ: Maryland Medicaid

How do I apply for Medicaid in Maryland?

Through Maryland Health Connection online, in its app or at 1-855-642-8572; seniors, disability and long-term care applicants usually apply with DHS at marylandbenefits.gov or a local department of social services.

What is the income limit for Maryland Medicaid in 2026?

$1,835 a month for one adult and $3,142 for three, effective February 1, 2026; children and pregnant Marylanders have higher lines.

Does Maryland Medicaid cover dental for adults?

Yes, through the Maryland Healthy Smiles Dental Program (1-855-934-9812); adult glasses depend on your MCO.

When do Maryland Medicaid work requirements start?

January 1, 2027, for some adults 19 to 64: $580 a month in pay, half-time school, or 80 hours of qualifying activity.

How long does Maryland take to approve Medicaid?

30 days for most adults and families, 45 for aged, blind and long-term care, 60 for disability, and 10 for pregnant applicants at a local health department.

Which HealthChoice MCO should I pick?

The one your doctors and pharmacy take; the February 2026 chart lists 9, and Maryland assigns one if you don't choose.

How do I appeal a Maryland Medicaid denial?

Within 90 days of the notice, or within 10 calendar days to keep coverage while you wait, online, by mail or by fax to MDH.

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Sources

1. MDH: Medicaid income limits, effective February 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
2. MDH: HealthChoice program page (opens in a new tab), checked November 13, 2026
3. MDH: HealthChoice MCO comparison chart, February 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
4. MDH: Maryland Medicaid changes (opens in a new tab), checked November 13, 2026
5. MDH: Federal changes for Maryland Medicaid starting in 2027 (FAQ flyer) (opens in a new tab)
6. MDH: Maryland Medicaid appeals (opens in a new tab), checked November 13, 2026
7. Maryland Health Connection: How to enroll in Maryland Medicaid (opens in a new tab), checked November 13, 2026
8. Maryland Health Connection: Medicaid Check-In on the 2027 rules (opens in a new tab), checked November 13, 2026
9. Maryland DHS: Medical assistance in Maryland (opens in a new tab), checked November 13, 2026
10. Maryland DHS: Action transmittal 19-10 on Medical Assistance processing times (opens in a new tab)
11. CMS: Medicaid and CHIP policy roadmap (opens in a new tab)
12. Federal Register: community engagement interim rule (opens in a new tab)
13. eCFR: 42 CFR 435.912 (opens in a new tab)