Maryland is holding a new special enrollment period for the uninsured to get health insurance though the state's health benefit exchange.
Gov. Larry Hogan announced Monday the new enrollment period begins immediately and will run until March 15.
It's being opened due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the recent rise in the positivity rate throughout the state.
Coverage dates will vary based on when a Marylander enrolls in a plan. Coverage starts Jan. 1 for people who enroll between now and Jan. 15. Those who enroll between Jan. 16 and Feb. 15 will have coverage start Feb. 1. Coverage will start March 1 for people who enroll between Feb. 16 and March 15.
The last COVID-19 special enrollment period ran from the onset of the pandemic in March through Dec.15. It was one of the longest in the country.
Nearly 107,000 Marylanders enrolled in 2020 health coverage through the special enrollment. Of the 107,000 enrolled, nearly 35,000 enrolled in private health plans, while 72,000 enrolled in Medicaid.
