Maryland Medicaid

Last verified: June 2026

What is Maryland Medical Assistance?

Maryland Medicaid — formally called the Maryland Medical Assistance Program (MMAP) — is administered by the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) through its Medical Care Programs Administration. Locally, Marylanders also call it "Medical Assistance." About 1.5 million Marylanders are enrolled, representing nearly one in four state residents. Half of those covered are children.

Maryland expanded Medicaid under the ACA in 2014. The state's managed care program — called HealthChoice — is one of the oldest mandatory managed care programs in the United States, having launched in 1997. HealthChoice uses a competitive managed care organization (MCO) structure rather than a fee-for-service model. Almost all Maryland Medicaid members receive their care through a HealthChoice MCO.

Maryland's Medicaid income limits for children and pregnant women are among the highest in the country — reflecting longstanding state policy to maximize coverage for these populations. Children are covered up to 317% FPL; pregnant women up to 250% FPL.

HealthChoice managed care organizations (2025–2026)

Maryland Medicaid members are enrolled in a HealthChoice MCO. The MCO serves as the primary health plan — coordinating medical, behavioral health, and pharmacy benefits. Per MDH, the following HealthChoice MCOs are currently contracted:

• Aetna Better Health of Maryland
• Amerigroup Maryland
• CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Community Health Plan Maryland
• Jai Medical Systems
• Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States
• Priority Partners (Johns Hopkins Medicine)
• UnitedHealthcare Community Plan Maryland
• Wellpoint (formerly Anthem HealthKeepers Plus)

Source: Maryland Department of Health, Medical Care Programs Administration; HealthChoice program documentation. MCO availability varies by jurisdiction. Members can compare plans through marylandhealthconnection.gov.

Who qualifies for Maryland Medicaid?

Per the Maryland Department of Health's eligibility page, Maryland Medicaid eligibility depends on income, residency, and citizenship or immigration status. The standard requirements:

• Maryland resident
• U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen (specific immigration status requirements apply)
• Adults ages 19–64: at or below 138% FPL (ACA expansion group)
• Children: up to 317% FPL through the Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP)
• Pregnant women: up to 250% FPL for full Maryland Medical Assistance
• Seniors and individuals with disabilities: separate eligibility rules apply, including asset tests
• SSI recipients are automatically eligible — no separate Medicaid application needed

Receiving SSI (Supplemental Security Income) from Social Security makes a person automatically eligible for Maryland Medicaid. No separate application is required for SSI recipients.

Maryland Medicaid special programs

Beyond the main Medical Assistance program, Maryland administers several specialized programs within its Medicaid authority:

Maryland Medicaid topics

What does Maryland Medicaid cover?

Medicaid covers a broad range of health services. Federal law mandates certain benefits — inpatient and outpatient hospital care, physician services, lab work, X-rays, and nursing facility services, among others. States add optional services on top of those. Dental, vision, and long-term home care coverage vary by state.

The national benefits overview lists required and commonly optional services. Check the Maryland Medicaid website for the current state-specific benefit package.

How to apply

Most people can apply online through Maryland's Medicaid portal, by phone, or in person at a local eligibility office. The how to apply page walks through each method, what documents you'll need, and what to expect during the review period.

Under 42 CFR 435.912, states must process most standard Medicaid applications within 45 days (90 days for disability-based applications). Maryland must follow that federal timeline.