Navigating medical care can be complex, especially when considering financial assistance. Maryland offers a range of medical care programs designed to support individuals and families in accessing essential healthcare services. While there isn’t a physical “State Of Maryland Medical Care Programs Card” in the traditional sense, understanding these programs is your key to unlocking vital health benefits. This guide will walk you through the primary medical assistance options available in Maryland, helping you determine which program best fits your needs.
Maryland Children’s Health Insurance Program (MCHP)
Ensuring every child in Maryland has access to healthcare is the goal of the Maryland Children’s Health Insurance Program (MCHP). Funded by both Federal and State resources, MCHP provides comprehensive health benefits for children under 19 and pregnant women of any age who meet specific income criteria. This program utilizes Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) to deliver care and is available to:
- Children under 19 who are not eligible for Medicaid.
- Pregnant women of any age.
- Individuals with countable income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (and up to 300% with a premium).
- Children in families where employed parents do not have access to family health insurance through their jobs. It’s worth noting that even if you currently have health insurance, applying for MCHP is advisable to allow a case manager to assess your eligibility.
To apply for MCHP, you can complete an application online at the Maryland Health Connection website or by calling the Maryland Health Benefits Exchange Consolidated Service Center. You can also apply in person at your local health department or department of social services.
Medicaid (Medical Assistance – MA)
Medicaid, also known as Medical Assistance (MA) in Maryland, is a crucial program that helps cover medical expenses for individuals and families with limited income and resources. Funded through a combination of Federal and State funds, Medicaid is administered by the State of Maryland.
To explore your eligibility and apply for Medicaid, you can visit the myDHR portal online or visit one of the 24 local departments of social services across Maryland.
Medicare Buy-In Programs: QMB and SLMB
Maryland also offers Medicare Buy-In Programs, specifically the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) and Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) programs. These are designed to ease the financial burden of Medicare for beneficiaries with low incomes by assisting with Medicare costs, including deductibles and co-payments.
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB): This program is for individuals with limited assets and incomes not exceeding 100% of the federal poverty level. Maryland Medicaid will cover their Medicare Part B premiums and cost-sharing expenses.
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB): SLMB assists individuals with slightly higher incomes (between 100% and 120% of the poverty level) by paying their Medicare Part B premiums. Asset limits also apply.
Long Term Care Medical Assistance (LTC)
For individuals requiring nursing home care, Long Term Care Medical Assistance (LTC) is available in Maryland. This program helps cover the significant costs associated with long-term care for low-income individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria. It’s important to note that LTC eligibility considers a review of resources from the five years prior to application.
Applications for LTC can be submitted online through the myDHR portal or mailed to your local health department or department of social services. For residents of Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, and Prince George’s County, applications are handled by the Office of Long Term Care in Catonsville, Maryland.
Required Information for Application
When applying for any of these Maryland medical care programs, you will generally need to provide the following information:
- General information about family members, including names, birth dates, and Social Security numbers.
- Proof of income.
- If pregnant, a doctor or nurse’s signed statement confirming the expected delivery date.
By understanding these programs and preparing the necessary information, Maryland residents can access the medical care assistance they need. While there isn’t a physical “state of maryland medical care programs card,” knowing these programs is your first step towards securing healthcare access.
Download the Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Application form.
Download the Long Term Care/Waiver Medical Assistance (LTC) Application form.
Download the Long Term Care (LTC) Redetermination Application form.
