Maryland Health Benefit Exchange

Our Mission: The Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, an independent unit of state government, provides accessible, affordable health coverage to Marylanders.

Our Vision: All Marylanders will have and use the health coverage that is best for them.

The Seven Guiding Principles of the MHBE:

Accessibility– To ensure that health coverage options are attainable for all residents. Maryland’s health insurance marketplace, Maryland Health Connection, can be accessed online, through in-person assistance, or by phone.

Affordability– To promote health coverage costs that remain at a reasonable level. Financial assistance is often available for households earning up to 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.

Sustainability– To remain viable in compliance with the Affordable Care Act by offering approved qualified health plans for individuals and employees of small businesses, and determining eligibility for tax credits.

Stability– To provide a reliable resource for residents to obtain health coverage. Pre-existing conditions can no longer be grounds to exclude someone’s ability to get health coverage under the Affordable Care Act.

Health Equity– To attain a true level of equal access to health coverage for everyone who needs it, regardless of socioeconomic status. The MHBE will ensure that all populations can access health coverage by requiring cultural competence in its operations and outreach, and a simplified process to determine eligibility for free or low-cost health insurance.

Flexibility– To remain adaptable to insurance market changes, and to remain sensitive and responsive to the people the agency serves. The MHBE continuously works to identify and reach residents across the state who need affordable health coverage, and to transition them to appropriate coverage as life changes occur.

Transparency– To remain open and accountable in its operations, and to continue to abide by the rules and regulations that govern the agency. Anyone can submit a request for information from the MHBE. Maryland’s Public Information Act (PIA) grants the public a broad right of access to public records while protecting legitimate governmental interests and the privacy rights of individual citizens.

The Maryland Health Benefit Exchange (MHBE) works with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Maryland Insurance Administration, Department of Human Resources and stakeholders statewide.