Medical Assistance (MA) for Adults Under 65
Medical Assistance (also known as Medicaid or MA) pays the medical bills of low-income families and individuals. The insurance covers services such as in-patient/outpatient hospital care, pharmacy, basic physician care, nursing home costs, medical day care, personal care, mental health, and substance abuse treatment. Individuals receiving Federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits should contact their local office to apply.
How to Apply
Apply online at Maryland Health Connection website or apply by telephone by calling the Maryland Health Connection's Consolidated Service Center at 855-642-8572 (toll-free) or TTY 855-642-8573, or you may file in person at a regional office location.
Applicants can apply in any Office of Eligibility and Support Services office below:
- Silver Spring Office 8630 Fenton Street, 10th. Floor, Silver Spring, MD 20910
- Silver Spring Office 8818 Georgia Avenue, 2nd. Floor, Silver Spring, MD 20910*
- Rockville Office 1401 Rockville Pike, 1st floor, Rockville, MD 20852
- Germantown Office 12900 Middlebrook Road, 2nd. Floor, Germantown, MD 20874*
*Customers can enroll in a Private Health Plan in Maryland Health Connection.
Individuals who wish to apply but do not speak English or have limited English proficiency will have access to an interpreter. The interpreter may be a local department staff member, an individual designated by the applicant, an individual outside the agency who is proficient in the customer’s language, or the department can use the Language Line. An interpreter cannot be a minor child.
Documents to Bring
In general, the following documents are needed:
- Proof of income such as your tax return or two recent pay stubs
- Proof of identity such as a driver’s license or other photo I.D.
- Proof of citizenship such as your birth certificate or passport
- Social Security number (not the Social Security Card)
Other information may be required once the interview has been completed.
Eligibility Requirements
The Medical Assistance (also known as Medicaid or MA) program provides health care benefits to eligible county residents. With the start of the Affordable Care Act in 2013, Maryland was one of the states that expanded eligibility for Medical Assistance. The coverage groups for Medical Assistance are as follows:
Families and Children: Federally matched Medical Assistance is provided to families and children under age 21 meeting specific income levels. A family’s gross income is considered in determining eligibility.
Pregnant Women: Income-eligible pregnant women may qualify for Medical Assistance through one of the following coverage options:
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​Healthy Babies Equity Act
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Available to pregnant women regardless of immigration status
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Covers prenatal care during pregnancy
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Coverage continues for 4 months after the baby is born
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Newborns are automatically eligible for Medical Assistance for one year, if they reside with the mother
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Full Medicaid (Federally Matched)
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Available to U.S. citizens and lawfully present pregnant women
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Covers prenatal care during pregnancy
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Coverage continues for 1 year after the baby is born
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Newborns are automatically eligible for Medical Assistance for one year if they reside with the mother
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Fees and Payments
None
FAQ's
1. How long does it take to process my Medicaid for Families application?
It takes approximately 10 days.
2. What happens after my application is approved?
When you receive your enrollment packet in the mail, you will:
- Find out from your doctor which managed care organizations (MCO) plans they accept;
- Pick a MCO and primary care doctor to provide your care. If you do not pick a MCO, the State will pick one for you;
- Inform HealthChoice which MCO and doctor you have selected;
- Contact the doctor for an appointment.
3. What is the County’s Role with Medicaid?
Medicaid is managed by the State of Maryland, Maryland Department of Health (MDH). It uses federal and state funds to provide the health care coverage. Montgomery County DHHS staff determine Medicaid eligibility at the local level and assist county residents who want to apply for the program.
4. What should I do when my address, family size, or income changes?
It’s important to update your information right away if you’ve had changes in your household or income to be sure you are receiving the right coverage.
Please report any address or income changes within 10 days, as required, by logging in to your Maryland Health Connection account, calling the Consolidated Call Center at 855-642-8572, or visiting the Office of Eligibility and Support Services location.
5. How do I get more information about fees or services covered by Medicaid?
You may call the Maryland Medicaid HealthChoice.