Access to Health Care Services

Medicaid provides health coverage to millions of people, including eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women. Medicaid is administered by states, according to federal requirements. 

The Health Department can help if you have questions, need information or want to apply. Contact us at 410-313-5845 or come into our offices at 8930 Stanford Blvd, Columbia, MD 21045. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:30am - 4:00pm.

Changes are coming to Maryland Medicaid - this year, renewals won't be automatic. Individuals on Medicaid may no longer be able to continue receiving benefits if they have not completed their renewal. Here's what you can do now to prepare:

1. Update your contact information to make sure your current address, phone number, and email are on file so you'll get notices about changes to your coverage. 
2. Open your mail and read any letters you get from Maryland Health Connection to find out how changes will affect you.
3. Take action to ensure you don't miss key deadlines. The letters will tell you what you need to do to get continued benefits.

Call us today at 410-313-5845 or email medicaid@howardcountymd.gov to learn more! 

State Resources

• Medicaid Check-In 2023 - Consumer Information
• Maryland Health Connection Medicaid Check-In
• Maryland Health Connection Flier
• Maryland Health Connection Flier (Spanish)

Effective July 1, 2023, non-citizen pregnant Maryland residents with qualifying income can apply to receive full medical benefits. 

Medicaid pays for health care for people who cannot afford it. Medicaid is the same as Medical Assistance. Sign up for Medicaid as soon as you know you are pregnant. Get the care you and your baby need right away. And you may keep Medicaid up to four months after your baby is born.

Starting July 1, 2023, you can apply:

• Online at marylandhealthconnection.gov 
• By using the app: Apple or Android​
• By calling 1-855-642-8572
• TTY users call 711 for Maryland Relay​
• In person at a local Health Department 
• In person at a local Health and Human Services Office 

The Health Department can help if you have questions, need information or want to apply. Contact us at 410-313-5845, email medicaid@howardcountymd.gov or come into our offices at 8930 Stanford Blvd, Columbia, MD 21045. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm.

Participant Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, you must:

• Be pregnant​
• Live in Maryland
• Meet income limits​ 

Medicaid may help pay for health care you had in the three months before you applied. To learn more, talk to Maryland Health Connection, or go to your local Health Department or Department of Social Services.

State Resources

• Maryland Medicaid Maternal and Child Health Programs
• Informational Flier (English)
• Informational Flier (Spanish)

The Maryland Departments of Human Services and Health have launched an updated easy-to-use benefits screener tool that will allow Marylanders to streamline access to many essential support programs. In just a few clicks, the Benefits screener invites Marylanders to discover what benefits they may qualify for, including:

• Food Assistance
• Cash Assistance
• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Program
• Medical Assistance
• Energy Bill Support

Visit mymdthink.maryland.gov and click on "check eligibility" to get started.

Health Insurance open enrollment for 2025 has ended, but you may be eligible for a special enrollment period. Registration is available daily through Maryland Health Connection. In-person sign-up assistance is available at the Health Department (Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm). You may be eligible for free or low cost coverage. Call 410-313-5845 or email medicaid@howardcountymd.gov for more information.

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.