Maryland House OKs bill to enable undocumented immigrants to buy health insurance on state exchange
The Maryland House has voted for a measure to enable people to buy health insurance through the state’s health care exchange regardless of their immigration status, with the approval of a federal waiver
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — The Maryland House approved a measure on Friday to enable people to buy health insurance through the state’s health care exchange regardless of their immigration status, with the approval of a federal waiver.
The House voted 101-34 for the bill, which now goes to the Senate, where similar legislation is under consideration.
The measure would require the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange to submit a federal waiver application by July 1, 2025, to implement the program. The waiver is needed because of federal restrictions on undocumented immigrants using the marketplace. Washington state received such a waiver from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in late 2022. The program in Maryland could start as early as 2026, if a waiver is granted.
Maryland's health care exchange was created during the 2011 legislative session to provide a marketplace for people and small businesses to purchase affordable health coverage. Through the Maryland Health Connection, Maryland residents can shop for health insurance plans and compare rates.
