Maryland Medicaid
Updated August 2026
Maryland Medicaid — formally called the Maryland Medical Assistance Program (MMAP) — is administered by the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) through its Medical Care Programs Administration. Locally, Marylanders also call it "Medical Assistance." About 1.5 million Marylanders are enrolled, representing nearly one in four state residents. Half of those covered are children.
Maryland Medicaid Check-In campaign launched June 2026 — members may need to take action
H.R. 1 (signed July 4, 2025) will significantly change Maryland Medicaid eligibility. The Maryland Department of Health launched a statewide Medicaid Check-In campaign on June 1, 2026 to help members understand upcoming changes. Visit marylandhealthconnection.gov/checkin to see what action, if any, you may need to take.
What is Maryland Medical Assistance?
Maryland expanded Medicaid under the ACA in 2014. The state's managed care program — called HealthChoice — is one of the oldest mandatory managed care programs in the United States, having launched in 1997. HealthChoice uses a competitive managed care organization (MCO) structure rather than a fee-for-service model. Almost all Maryland Medicaid members receive their care through a HealthChoice MCO.
Maryland's Medicaid income limits for children and pregnant women are among the highest in the country — reflecting longstanding state policy to maximize coverage for these populations. Children are covered up to 317% FPL; pregnant women up to 250% FPL.
HealthChoice managed care organizations (2025–2026)
Maryland Medicaid members are enrolled in a HealthChoice MCO. The MCO serves as the primary health plan — coordinating medical, behavioral health, and pharmacy benefits. Per MDH, the following HealthChoice MCOs are currently contracted:
- Aetna Better Health of Maryland
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Community Health Plan Maryland
- Jai Medical Systems
- Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States
- Maryland Physicians Care
- MedStar Family Choice
- Priority Partners (Johns Hopkins Medicine)
- UnitedHealthcare Community Plan Maryland
- Wellpoint (formerly Anthem HealthKeepers Plus)
Source: Maryland Department of Health, Medical Care Programs Administration; HealthChoice program documentation. MCO availability varies by jurisdiction. Members can compare plans through marylandhealthconnection.gov.
Who qualifies for Maryland Medicaid?
Per the Maryland Department of Health's eligibility page, Maryland Medicaid eligibility depends on income, residency, and citizenship or immigration status. The standard requirements:
- Maryland resident
- U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen (specific immigration status requirements apply)
- Adults ages 19–64: at or below 138% FPL (ACA expansion group)
- Children: up to 317% FPL through the Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP)
- Pregnant women: up to 250% FPL for full Maryland Medical Assistance
- Seniors and individuals with disabilities: separate eligibility rules apply, including asset tests
- SSI recipients are automatically eligible — no separate Medicaid application needed
Receiving SSI (Supplemental Security Income) from Social Security makes a person automatically eligible for Maryland Medicaid. No separate application is required for SSI recipients.
Maryland Medicaid special programs
Beyond the main Medical Assistance program, Maryland administers several specialized programs within its Medicaid authority:
- Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID): Working adults with disabilities can buy into Maryland Medicaid with income up to 250% FPL — well above the standard limit. This "Medicaid Buy-In" program allows working people to maintain Medicaid without losing it due to earned income.
- Medicaid Family Planning Program: Provides family planning services to individuals who would not otherwise qualify for full Medicaid. Available statewide regardless of immigration status, with no asset test.
- Medicare Savings Programs: Help low-income Medicare beneficiaries pay Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. Administered through Maryland Medicaid for eligible dual-eligible individuals.
Related guides
What Is Medicaid?
An overview of how the program works, who runs it, and who it covers.
Read more →Eligibility Requirements
The income, household, age, and state rules that determine who qualifies.
Read more →How to Apply
A step-by-step walkthrough of the application process and what you'll need.
Read more →