Can I get financial help to pay for CareFirst of Maryland plans in Annapolis?

Yes, many Annapolis residents qualify for subsidies through the Maryland Health Connection marketplace. These include Premium Tax Credits to lower monthly premiums and Cost-Sharing Reductions to reduce out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copayments. Eligibility is based on household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level.

Which hospitals in Anne Arundel County accept CareFirst of Maryland plans?

CareFirst of Maryland plans typically include major local hospitals in their network. In Anne Arundel County, this includes Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center, Inc. in Annapolis and University of MD Baltimore Washington Medical Center in Glen Burnie. It's always advisable to verify network participation for specific plans and providers.

Updated July 2026 · MarylandPlanFinder.com — Licensed Health Insurance Producer (NPN #21249133)

CareFirst of Maryland Health Insurance in Annapolis, Maryland

Q: What types of CareFirst plans are available in Annapolis?

In Annapolis, CareFirst of Maryland and CareFirst BlueChoice offer a variety of health insurance plans, including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) options. These plans are available on the Maryland Health Connection marketplace for 2026.

Q: Is Medicaid an option for low-income residents in Annapolis?

Yes, Maryland expanded Medicaid (known as Maryland Medicaid or HealthChoice) in 2014. Adults with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify for comprehensive, no-cost health coverage. Pregnant women can qualify up to 250% FPL, and children through the Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP) up to 300% FPL.

In 2026, 4 carriers, including CareFirst of Maryland and CareFirst BlueChoice, offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 1, which covers Annapolis.
Maryland Health Connection provides subsidies (Premium Tax Credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions) for individuals and families with incomes between 100% and 400% FPL.
Maryland residents with incomes up to 138% FPL may qualify for Maryland Medicaid (HealthChoice), offering comprehensive, no-cost coverage.
Annapolis, Maryland has a population of 40,720 and an uninsured rate of 6.0%, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates.

Navigating health insurance options in Annapolis, Maryland, can seem complex, but understanding the local marketplace clarifies your choices. CareFirst of Maryland is a prominent carrier offering various health plans on the Maryland Health Connection, the state's official health insurance marketplace. For 2026, residents of Annapolis have access to a range of plan types, including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans, ensuring flexibility in how you access care. Financial assistance, such as Premium Tax Credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions, is also available through the marketplace to make coverage more affordable based on your household income.

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What Are Your Health Insurance Options in Annapolis with CareFirst?

In Annapolis, Maryland, residents can choose from a variety of health insurance plans offered by CareFirst of Maryland and CareFirst BlueChoice through the Maryland Health Connection. These plans are categorized into metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, reflecting the balance between monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Bronze plans typically have lower premiums and higher deductibles, suitable for those who primarily want coverage for catastrophic events. Silver plans offer a moderate balance and are the only plans eligible for Cost-Sharing Reductions, which can significantly lower deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums for eligible individuals. Gold and Platinum plans come with higher premiums but offer lower out-of-pocket costs when you need care. CareFirst of Maryland and CareFirst BlueChoice offer both HMO and PPO plans in Maryland. HMO plans generally require you to choose a primary care provider (PCP) within their network and get referrals for specialists, while PPO plans offer more flexibility to see out-of-network providers, though usually at a higher cost. EPO plans provide a network of doctors and hospitals to choose from, similar to an HMO, but typically do not require a PCP referral for specialist visits within the network. Understanding these differences can help you select a plan that best fits your healthcare needs and budget.

Understanding Financial Assistance for Annapolis Residents

Many Annapolis residents qualify for financial assistance to help pay for their health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs. The Maryland Health Connection marketplace offers two main types of subsidies:

Premium Tax Credits (PTCs): These credits reduce your monthly health insurance premium. Eligibility is based on your household income, ranging from 100% to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The lower your income within this range, the larger your tax credit will be.
Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs): Available exclusively with Silver-tier plans, CSRs lower your out-of-pocket expenses, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. You may qualify for CSRs if your household income is between 100% and 250% of the FPL.

For example, a single person in Annapolis earning $35,000 per year (approximately 250% FPL) would likely qualify for significant Premium Tax Credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions, making a Silver plan much more affordable than its sticker price. It is crucial to accurately report your income and household size when applying through the Maryland Health Connection to receive the maximum assistance you are eligible for.

Health Insurance Carriers in Annapolis

For 2026, 4 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 1, which covers Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George's, Queen Anne's, Somerset, St. Mary's, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, Worcester counties. Residents of Annapolis, situated in Anne Arundel County, have access to plans from these confirmed local carriers:

CareFirst BlueChoice
CareFirst of Maryland
Optimum Choice
Wellpoint

When reviewing plans, it is important to compare not only premiums but also deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and the network of doctors and hospitals each carrier offers. Each carrier provides a range of plan types (HMO, PPO, EPO) and metal tiers to suit different needs and budgets.

Maryland Medicaid (HealthChoice) in Annapolis

Maryland expanded its Medicaid program, known as Maryland Medicaid or HealthChoice, in 2014. This means that adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify for comprehensive, no-cost health coverage. For a single individual, this threshold is approximately $20,782 per year for 2024 (this figure adjusts annually). Unlike some non-expansion states, Maryland does not have a "coverage gap" for low-income adults. Enrollment in Maryland Medicaid is available year-round, not just during the Open Enrollment Period. Applications can be submitted through the Maryland Health Connection or your local Department of Social Services. Special provisions for vulnerable populations in Maryland also include robust coverage for pregnant women and children. Maryland Medicaid covers pregnant women with income up to 250% FPL, providing comprehensive prenatal care, labor and delivery, and extended postpartum care. The Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP), the state's CHIP equivalent, covers uninsured children up to 300% FPL, ensuring access to essential healthcare services for families.

Hospitals and Healthcare in Annapolis

Annapolis, Maryland, is served by a robust healthcare infrastructure. Anne Arundel County, with a population of 598,166 per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, is home to key medical facilities. Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center, Inc. in Annapolis is a major acute care hospital serving the city and surrounding areas. Additionally, University of MD Baltimore Washington Medical Center in Glen Burnie provides further acute care options within the county. When selecting a CareFirst of Maryland plan, it's advisable to verify that your preferred doctors and any specific medical centers you frequent are within the plan's network to ensure seamless access to care. Annapolis, with its population of 40,720 and an uninsured rate of 6.0%, benefits from these local healthcare resources and the comprehensive insurance options available in Rating Area 1.

Making Your Health Insurance Decision in Annapolis

Choosing the right health insurance plan in Annapolis involves considering your income, health needs, and preferred providers.

If your income is below 138% FPL: You likely qualify for Maryland Medicaid (HealthChoice), offering comprehensive coverage at no monthly cost.
If your income is between 100% and 250% FPL: Consider a Silver plan on Maryland Health Connection. You will qualify for both Premium Tax Credits to lower your monthly premium and Cost-Sharing Reductions to significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
If your income is above 250% FPL (up to 400% FPL): You will still qualify for Premium Tax Credits to lower your monthly premium on any metal tier plan. Compare Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans to find the balance between premium and deductible that suits you.
If you require specific doctors or hospitals: Always check the plan's provider network before enrolling to ensure your preferred healthcare providers are included.

A licensed health insurance producer can provide personalized guidance, helping you compare plans, understand subsidies, and navigate the enrollment process for CareFirst of Maryland or other carriers, all at no cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Open Enrollment Period for health insurance in Annapolis?

The annual Open Enrollment Period (OEP) for marketplace health insurance plans in Maryland typically runs from November 1st to January 15th. During this time, you can enroll in a new plan, change your existing plan, or re-enroll for the upcoming year. Outside of OEP, you can only enroll if you experience a Qualifying Life Event (QLE), such as losing other coverage, getting married, or having a baby.

Can I keep my current doctor with a CareFirst of Maryland plan?

Whether you can keep your current doctor depends on the specific CareFirst of Maryland plan you choose and your doctor's participation in that plan's network. HMO plans generally have more restricted networks, while PPO plans offer more flexibility. It is essential to confirm your doctor's network status with both the provider's office and the insurance carrier before enrolling in a plan.

What is the difference between an HMO, PPO, and EPO plan in Maryland?

In Maryland, Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans require you to choose a primary care provider (PCP) within the network and get referrals for specialists. Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans offer more flexibility, allowing you to see out-of-network providers, though usually at a higher cost, and typically do not require referrals. Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans use a network of doctors and hospitals, similar to an HMO, but generally do not require a PCP referral for specialist visits within that network.

How does the uninsured rate in Annapolis compare to Anne Arundel County?

Annapolis has an uninsured rate of 6.0%, while the broader Anne Arundel County has a slightly lower uninsured rate of 4.7%, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. Both figures are below the national average, reflecting the availability of marketplace plans and Medicaid expansion in Maryland.