Contact Vincent DeMarco demarco@mdinitiative.org
Marylanders without health insurance can start the enrollment process when they file their state taxes
WHAT: Event to Highlight the Maryland Easy Enrollment Program – for people to sign up for health insurance as they file their tax returns
WHO:
- Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott
- Dr. Letitia Dzirasa, Baltimore City Health Commissioner
- Michele Eberle, Executive Director, Maryland Health Benefit Exchange
- Vincent DeMarco, President, Maryland Health Care For All! Coalition
WHEN: Thursday, March 3, 2022, 12 noon
WHERE: War Memorial, 101 N. Gay St., Baltimore, MD 21202
Livestream at www.facebook.com/mayorbmscott
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, Baltimore Health Commissioner Letitia Dzirasa M.D., and Michele Eberle, the executive director of the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, will highlight the state’s Easy Enrollment Health Insurance Program, which allows state residents to begin signing up for affordable health insurance by simply checking a box on their state income tax returns.
“We have made strong progress enrolling Baltimore City residents in affordable health insurance the past several years, but many of our residents still lack coverage,” said Mayor Scott. “The good news is it’s never been easier to learn about options for coverage and getting enrolled. Just check the box when you file your state tax return and you’re on the road to coverage. I hope everyone in Baltimore and across the state who needs health insurance will take advantage of this great program at tax time.”
Mayor Scott will release a new video featuring the Mayor and Commissioner Dzirasa highlighting the benefits of the Easy Enrollment Program at the March 3rd event.
“Having health insurance gives you peace of mind that you won’t face financial hardship if you get sick or injured,” said Baltimore Health Commissioner Dzirasa. “We’ve all been through a lot with the COVD-19 pandemic, and our health is precious. I urge all those who need health insurance to take a simple step and check the box on their tax return – and get started enrolling in coverage.”
The General Assembly established the Easy Enrollment program in 2019 to make it easier for uninsured Marylanders to learn about their options and sign up for insurance, the first such program of its kind in the nation. On the state income tax forms, filers are asked if they have health insurance. If not, they can agree to have the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange inform them about their likely eligibility for low-cost or free health insurance. The exchange will follow up with information about how to enroll.
The Maryland Comptroller’s office has extended the deadline for state tax returns until July 15, 2022.
“We are thrilled that this innovative program is available to help us further our mission of helping all Marylanders get health coverage,” said Michele Eberle, executive director of Maryland Health Benefit Exchange. “It really is easy to get started, and our team looks forward to helping many more Marylanders get coverage.”
“We are excited that Mayor Scott and Commissioner Dzirasa are helping to spread the word about this great program,” said Vincent DeMarco, president of Maryland Health Care For All! Coalition, which advocated for the new program. “This is an innovative strategy to getting people enrolled, and we are thrilled that other states are following our lead and creating similar programs. We hope everyone in Maryland who needs health coverage will take action this tax season.”
Information about insurance plans is available at the state’s online insurance marketplace, marylandhealthconnection.gov.
