By Robert Ruiz-Moss, for Wellpoint
We all want good health, both for ourselves and for our families. That’s why we center many of our choices around improving our health and well-being. Now that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace open enrollment period has begun, it’s time to start exploring the best plan for you and your family. ACA Marketplace health plans are specifically for those who do not have access to an employer-sponsored health plan and do not qualify for Medicaid or Medicare.
To ensure you have health coverage beginning in 2025, it’s important to start focusing on finding a plan that meets your needs and your budget. Maryland’s official health insurance marketplace, Maryland Health Connection, is where you will enroll when you’re ready. Selecting a health plan can feel like a daunting task, but Wellpoint can help you choose the right one for you.
New Wellpoint health plan options in Maryland
Wellpoint offers affordable plans that provide access to quality doctors and hospitals to meet the diverse needs of Maryland residents. Wellpoint (formerly Amerigroup) has been serving Marylanders for more than 25 years as a leading coordinator of Medicaid managed healthcare benefits. Wellpoint cares for the whole health of nearly three million Americans and we’re part of the Elevance Health family of companies serving nearly 46 million people nationwide.
Benefits are more affordable than you may think
Wellpoint’s health plans offer different options for care, and your premium and deductible will depend on the plan you choose. Wellpoint’s website outlines the available options based on coverage needs and pricing for individual and family plans. It’s important to remember health plans cover preventive health care—such as mammograms, colonoscopies, regular check-ups and other important services—at no cost to consumers. Chronic health conditions that negatively impact quality of life and significantly increase healthcare costs can often be prevented or managed through these early detection screenings.
You may also be eligible to receive additional financial help through ACA subsidies, which can help lower or eliminate monthly premiums and decrease out-of-pocket costs. In fact, nine out of 10 people nationwide can save on the cost of health coverage through these subsidies.
The high cost of no benefits
Forgoing healthcare coverage might seem like a cost-effective alternative; however, out-of-pocket costs and unexpected hospitalizations add up quickly. Uninsured individuals often face unaffordable medical bills when they do seek care, which can lead to medical debt and other forms of financial instability. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 62% of uninsured adults report having medical debt. Uninsured adults are more likely to face negative consequences due to health care debt, such as using their savings, having difficulty paying other living expenses, or needing to borrow money.
Nearly 1 In 12 U.S. adults owe medical debt, and almost 67% of all bankruptcies in America are tied to medical issues, whether due to the high costs of medical bills or the loss of income after taking time off from work. We understand inflation is still challenging for many household budgets, but securing healthcare coverage now may really help you save money in the long run.
Next steps
Wellpoint offers decades of experience and knowledgeable support to help people create a path to better health and wellness. Wellpoint can be a resource to help you through this process, regardless of what health plan you eventually choose. Visit our website to easily compare the available plans as you determine what will best work for you and your budget. Then visit Maryland Health Connection to enroll. Be sure to enroll by December 31 for coverage to begin January 1 or enroll by January 15 for coverage to begin February 1. Get ahead of the new year by exploring Wellpoint health plans today.
About the Author: Robert Ruiz-Moss currently serves as the Vice President of Individual Business for the Elevance Health family of companies, which includes Wellpoint. Robert has worked in numerous areas of the healthcare industry and has been instrumental in developing Elevance Health’s Individual Affordable Care Act business model. Rob earned his undergraduate degree in accounting from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
