LEONARDTOWN, MD (July 5, 2023) – Effective July 1, 2023, the Maryland Department of Health’s Medical Assistance Program provides comprehensive health insurance for pregnant Marylanders regardless of citizenship status. Non-citizen pregnant Marylanders will be eligible for the same benefits package available to other pregnant individuals, including physical and behavioral health services, as well as dental and prescription drug coverage without copays. Participants will be enrolled in a managed care organization during the prenatal and postpartum periods. Carved out benefits will be covered on a fee-for-service basis.
An individual may qualify for this newly expanded coverage if they meet the following criteria:
- Non-citizen who does not qualify for Medicaid solely due to immigration status
- Maryland resident
- Currently pregnant and applying prior to the final day of pregnancy
- Any individual who applies on the pregnancy end date (i.e., at labor and delivery) will NOT be eligible for this benefit.
- Income up to 250% of the federal poverty level
It is estimated that approximately 6,000 non-citizen pregnant Marylanders will be eligible for this benefit in the first year. The benefit will provide coverage during the pregnancy and four months of comprehensive coverage during the postpartum period. Applicants should apply for coverage through the consumer portal on Maryland Health Connection or by calling the St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) at 301-475-4330 and asking to speak to a Medicaid specialist. Language interpretation services are available for non-English speaking community members.
“Health coverage for pregnant persons is important to supporting safe pregnancies,” said Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer. “By removing barriers to pregnancy care, we create the best chance possible for a healthy baby Marylander.”
For more information, please visit health.maryland.gov/healthybabies.
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