OVERVIEW: Provides assistance with screening and applying for Medicaid. The office has computers customers can use to apply, and staff can assist them. Medicaid provides health coverage for some low-income individuals, families, older adults and people with disabilities. Also assists individuals with questions/concerns regarding the Medicare Beneficiary programs. Provides medical benefits for immediate and long-term health needs. May also pay for all or part of nursing home or domiciliary care.

SERVICES:
1) MEDICAID-AGED, BLIND OR DISABLED: Serves individuals 65 and older or who are blind, physically disabled, or developmentally disabled. Requires documentation of disability.

Effective 2024:
Income Assets
Individual $3,645 $2,500
Couple $4,932 $3,000

2) QUALIFIED MEDICARE BENEFICIARY PROGRAM: Serves individuals who are on Medicare. Pays Part B premiums, co-payments, and deductibles. If you have questions/concerns, please call Medicare at 800-633-4227.

Effective 2024:
Income Assets
Individual $1,275 $9,090
Couple $1,724 $13,530

3) SPECIFIED LOW-INCOME MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES: Serves individuals who are Medicare recipients but who are ineligible for Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program. Pays only Part B premium. Includes $20 per month income disregard. If you have any questions/concerns, please call Medicare at 800-633-4227.

Effective 2024:
Income Assets
Individual $1,526 $9,090
Couple $2,064 $13,630

4) EXPANDED MEDICAL ASSISTANCE: Assists individuals and families who may qualify for health care benefits under the Health Care Reform. Eligibility is based on income limits. If someone currently has Medical Assistance and they have questions, they can call the MA Helpline at 800-456-8900. If someone is uninsured and seeking to apply for MA, they can call a local Department of Social Services office, or Maryland Health Connection at 855-642-8572.

Household Size Income Limits
1 Less than $22,516
2 Less than $28,224
3 Less than $35,640
4 Less than $43,056
5 Less than $50,496
6 Less than $57,912



INTAKE: Non-Medicare adults and families with children under 21 years of age may apply for health care on the internet at www.marylandhealthconnection.gov, calling Maryland Health Connection, 855-642-8572 or in person at the nearest Department of Social Services (DSS). Most clients determined to be eligible for Medical Assistance are required to choose a health care provider (Managed Care Organization or MCO). The Managed Care System is called Health Choice and affects all existing Medical Assistance clients and new applicants. Medical Assistance recipients have 21 days to choose an MCO provider and submit forms. If they do not choose a provider within that time frame, they will automatically be assigned one. Home visits are available to assist homebound clients with the application process. Medical Assistance recipients may choose to switch MCO providers on an annual basis during the open enrollment period.

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE MCOs
Aetna Better Health of Maryland. Call 1-866-827-2710
University of Maryland Health Partners. Call 1-800-730-8580, available Mon-Fri, 8AM-5PM
AMERIGROUP Community Group: Call 800-600-4441, available Mon-Fri, 8AM-6PM
Jai Medical System: Call 888-524-1999, available Mon-Fri, 9AM-6PM
Kaiser Permanente: Call 855-249-5019, available Mon-Fri, 7:30AM-5:30PM
Maryland Physicians Care: Call 800-953-8854, available Mon-Fri, 8AM-5PM
MedStar Family Choice: Call 888-404-3549, available Mon-Fri, 8:30AM-5PM
Priority Partners: Call 800-654-9728, available Mon-Fri, 8AM-5PM
United Healthcare: Call 800-318-8821, available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week
**DHR QUESTIONS contact DHR Constituent Services at 1-800-332-6347. Available Mon-Fri, 8AM-5PM.**