May 12th, 2020 by WCBC Radio

Governor Larry Hogan today announced that national health insurer UnitedHealthcare has filed to offer individual health plans through Maryland Health Connection in 2021.

“We are very pleased United has chosen to enter Maryland’s individual market,” said Governor Hogan. “During this public health crisis, it's more important than ever for Marylanders to have access to a robust marketplace with different options to suit their needs.”

Currently, two insurers – CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and Kaiser Permanente – offer individual market health plans through the Maryland marketplace.

“UnitedHealthcare intends to offer individual plans in 2021 that provide strong coverage options for those shopping on Maryland Health Connection,” said Krista Nelson, senior vice president, UnitedHealthcare. “We look forward to working with the State of Maryland to help individuals get access to health care coverage that meets their care needs.”

Nearly 159,000 people enrolled in private plans through the Maryland health insurance marketplace, Maryland Health Connection, during the initial 2020 open enrollment period. Nearly 29,000 people have since enrolled during a special coronavirus open enrollment period, running through June 15.

“Under Governor Hogan’s leadership, Maryland has been successful in lowering premiums and strengthening the marketplace,” said Maryland Insurance Commissioner Al Redmer, Jr. “Another carrier entering the individual market is further proof that we’re moving in the right direction and have successfully stabilized the market.”

Maryland Health Benefit Exchange is a public corporation and independent unit of state government. It was established in 2011 in accordance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA) and is responsible for the administration of Maryland Health Connection, an online marketplace where Maryland residents can compare and enroll in health insurance as well as determine eligibility for Medicaid or financial help with private plans.

“We are thrilled to have another insurance company entering the marketplace, so that Marylanders across the state will have more options to choose a health plan that works best for themselves and their families,” said Michele Eberle, executive director of the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange.

UnitedHealthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), provides health care coverage and benefits services across the United States.