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Affordable Health Insurance on a Budget in Maryland (2027 Options)
Probably, though the cheapest option depends on your income. Here's every legitimate low-cost path, from cheapest to most expensive, plus the "cheap" products that aren't really insurance.
1. Medicaid: $0 or close to it
Maryland expanded Medicaid, so adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level (about $22,025 a year for one person) can generally qualify for Maryland Medicaid. Starting January 1, 2027, most expansion adults ages 19 to 64 have to show 80 hours a month of work, school, job training or community service (or equivalent income) to keep Medicaid, unless they qualify for an exemption such as caring for a young child, a disability, or pregnancy.
2. Subsidized marketplace plans
If your 2027 household income is between 100% and 400% of the poverty level ($15,960 to $63,840 for one; $33,000 to $132,000 for four), a premium tax credit lowers the price of any metal plan on Maryland Health Connection. Applied to a bronze plan, it can bring the premium down to $0 or near it for many people. Maryland also funds a state premium subsidy for marketplace enrollees ages 18 to 37, and state premium assistance continues in 2027.
At lower incomes (up to 250% of the poverty level), a silver plan adds cost-sharing reductions that shrink the deductible, often the best value overall.
3. Catastrophic plans
Low premiums with very high deductibles. Open to anyone under 30, and to people 30 and older with a hardship exemption, which now includes people whose income makes them ineligible for tax credits. HSA-eligible since 2026.
4. Private plans (healthy, above the subsidy line)
Outside the marketplace, private shared-network plans are sold in Maryland on leased PPO networks (Cigna, Aetna and PHCS PPO). They're medically underwritten, so they ask health questions and price on age and health instead of income, but you can enroll any month and coverage starts on the 1st. Maryland limits short-term plans to three months with no renewals, and several private plan families aren't offered here, so private options are narrower than in most states and the honest answer is a careful comparison rather than a promise of savings.
5. Cut your premium with the tax code
- Self-employed? Deduct premiums. See self-employed deductions.
- Contribute to a 401(k), IRA or HSA to lower your MAGI and possibly get under the 400% line.
What to avoid
- Discount cards sold as "health plans." They're not insurance.
- Fixed-indemnity plans sold as your only coverage. They pay a set amount per day or visit and won't cover a big bill.
- Anyone who won't send plan documents before you pay, or who says you can skip health questions on an underwritten application.
Free and low-cost care while you sort it out
Community health centers charge on a sliding scale by income, and many hospitals have charity care programs. Ask before you pay a bill.
In Maryland, open enrollment for 2027 coverage runs on Maryland Health Connection from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Pick a plan by December 31, 2026 if you want coverage to start January 1, 2027; plans picked after that start later.
See what coverage costs without an employer. Or check your options and we'll find your lowest-cost real option.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest health insurance?
For low-income adults it's usually Medicaid. For others, a subsidized bronze marketplace plan can be $0 or close to it. Healthy people above the subsidy line should also price private plans.
Can I get a $0 health insurance plan?
Many subsidy-eligible people can find a $0-premium bronze plan, though bronze plans have high deductibles.
Is a discount health card insurance?
No. Discount cards offer reduced prices at participating providers but don't pay claims or cap your costs.