Medical Assistance (Medicaid/MA)

 Medical Assistance (also known as Medicaid or MA) is a comprehensive health insurance program for low-income families and individuals.  The insurance covers services such as doctor's visits, including regular check ups; care while pregnant; family planning and birth control; prescription drugs; x-ray and lab services; hospital services, home health services and hospice services.  For pregnant women and children under 21, immunizations (shots); vision care, including exams and glasses each year; and dental care, including exams, cleanings, fillings and braces if medically necessary. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Maryland expanded the eligibility for Medical Assistance and applying for the program is done through Maryland's online health insurance exchange, the Maryland Health Connection (www.marylandhealthconnection.gov).

How to Apply

You can apply online at www.marylandhealthconnection.gov.  For in-person assistance, please visit one of the office locations listed below.  

Where to Apply

MidCounty DHHS Building
1335 Piccard Drive, Rockville, MD  20850

DHHS Silver Spring Center
8818 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD  20910

Silver Spring Health Center
8630 Fenton Street, 10th floor, Silver Spring, MD  20910

UpCounty Regional Services Center
12900 Middlebrook Road, Germantown, MD  20874

Documents To Bring

  • Home and/or mailing address for everyone applying for coverage
  • Birth dates for all family members
  • Government issued photo identification for everyone in the family, even those not applying for coverage (driver's license, valid U.S. passport, ID cards)
  • Social Security cards
  • Document information about immigration status (Employment Authorization, Naturalization Certificate, Green Card, I-94, etc.)
  • Employer and income information for everyone in the family.
    • One month worth of most recent paystubs (four weekly or two bi-weekly paystubs)
    • Most recent income tax return or W-2
    • Best estimate of your household income
    • Unemployment benefits award letter
    • Proof of any source of taxable income

Eligibility Requirements

Montgomery County resident

Fees and Payments

None

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

1.  I have applied for Medical Assistance, now what do I do?

You will receive a red and white card in the mail within 14 to 20 days.  Do not throw this card away.  If your application is complete and verified, you will receive an enrollment packet in the mail.

When you receive your Health Choice packet, call 1-800-977-7388 to choose your managed care organization (MCO).  Managed care organizations are the health care organizations that provide services to Medicaid recipients in Maryland.  These organizations contract with a network of providers to provide services to their clients (enrollees).  There are currently eight MCOs participating in Health Choice.

AMERIGROUP Community Care
Jai Medical Systems
Kaiser Permanente
Maryland Physicians Care
MedStar Family Choice
Priority Partners
Riverside Health of Maryland
United Healthcare

2.  What should I look for when choosing an MCO?

Some questions to ask when choosing an MCO- Which MCOs provide services in my area?  Which MCOs include my doctor and the hospital, specialists and pharmacies I want to use?  Which MCOs have providers and services close to my home?

3.  What happens if I don't choose an MCO?

If you don't choose an MCO, the State will choose one for you.

4.  How can I check the status of my application?

Call 1-800-977-7388

5.  What do I do if I received the wrong Medicaid/Health Choice packet?

Call 1-800-977-7388 (1-800-977-7389 for hearing impaired)

 Additional Information

No Additional Information at this time