How many health insurance carriers offer plans in Bethesda, MD?

In 2026, four health insurance carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 1, which includes Bethesda. These carriers are CareFirst BlueChoice, CareFirst of Maryland, Optimum Choice, and Wellpoint.

Can I get a PPO plan through the Maryland Health Connection in Bethesda?

Yes, PPO plans are available on-exchange through the Maryland Health Connection. Residents of Bethesda can choose from HMO, PPO, and EPO plan structures, with options from carriers like CareFirst of Maryland.

What are the income limits for Medicaid in Maryland?

Maryland expanded Medicaid (known as HealthChoice) in 2014. Adults with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify. For a single individual, this means an income of approximately $20,782 per year in 2024. Eligibility for pregnant women extends up to 250% FPL, and for children up to 300% FPL through the Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP).

CareFirst of Maryland Health Insurance in Bethesda, MD

In 2026, CareFirst of Maryland is one of four carriers offering marketplace plans in Bethesda's Rating Area 1.
Maryland residents can choose from HMO, PPO, and EPO plan types on the Maryland Health Connection.
Maryland's Medicaid program, HealthChoice, covers adults with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Bethesda's uninsured rate is 2.1%, significantly lower than Montgomery County's 7.0%, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates.

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

For residents of Bethesda, Maryland, CareFirst of Maryland offers a range of health insurance options through the Maryland Health Connection. As a leading insurer in the state, CareFirst of Maryland provides access to a network of healthcare providers, including local hospitals such as Suburban Hospital in Bethesda and other major facilities across Montgomery County. Understanding your options, including plan types, subsidy eligibility, and local network access, is crucial for choosing the right coverage.

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What CareFirst of Maryland Plans Are Available in Bethesda?

CareFirst of Maryland is a prominent carrier within Maryland's health insurance marketplace. In 2026, it is one of four carriers offering plans in Rating Area 1, which covers Bethesda and 23 other counties, including Montgomery, Anne Arundel, and Prince George's counties. Through the Maryland Health Connection, CareFirst of Maryland provides both Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan options.

HMO plans typically require you to choose a primary care provider (PCP) within the network and get referrals for specialists. PPO plans offer more flexibility, allowing you to see out-of-network providers (at a higher cost) without a referral, and you don't typically need to choose a PCP. Maryland Health Connection shoppers in Bethesda benefit from a wider choice of plan structures, including PPOs, which are not available on-exchange in all states.

When selecting a plan, consider the metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Bronze plans have lower monthly premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs, suitable for those who use healthcare infrequently. Gold and Platinum plans have higher premiums but lower deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, ideal for those who anticipate needing more medical care. Silver plans offer a balance and are particularly advantageous for individuals who qualify for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs), which further lower deductibles and copays.

Who Qualifies for Financial Assistance in Bethesda, MD?

Many Bethesda residents qualify for financial assistance, making health insurance more affordable. The Maryland Health Connection is a state-based marketplace where you can apply for subsidies that reduce your monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. These subsidies are available to individuals and families based on their income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

Two main types of financial assistance are available:

Premium Tax Credits (PTCs): These subsidies reduce your monthly premium payments. Eligibility extends to individuals and families earning between 100% and 400% FPL (and higher in some cases, due to federal legislation). For a single person, this range is approximately $15,060 to $60,240 in 2024.
Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs): These subsidies lower your out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. CSRs are only available with Silver-tier plans and are typically for those earning between 100% and 250% FPL.

Maryland also expanded its Medicaid program, known as HealthChoice, in 2014. Adults with income up to 138% FPL may qualify for comprehensive, no-cost health coverage. This means that for a single individual, an income of approximately $20,782 in 2024 would make them eligible for HealthChoice. For pregnant women, eligibility extends up to 250% FPL, and children up to 300% FPL through the Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP).

Health Insurance Carriers in Bethesda

In 2026, four health insurance 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 Bethesda have access to a variety of plans from these confirmed carriers:

CareFirst BlueChoice: Offers a range of plans, often including both HMO and PPO options, providing broad network access.
CareFirst of Maryland: A major insurer in the region, providing diverse plan choices including HMO and PPO structures.
Optimum Choice: Another carrier serving the Maryland marketplace, offering various plan types.
Wellpoint: Provides health insurance solutions, contributing to the competitive landscape in the rating area.

When comparing plans, it's important to consider not just the premium, but also the deductible, copayments, coinsurance, and the network of doctors and hospitals. Bethesda, with a population of 69,397 and a median income of $192,237 per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, is part of Montgomery County, which is well-served by several major health systems including Holy Cross Hospital (Silver Spring), Adventist Healthcare White Oak Medical Center (Silver Spring), Medstar Montgomery Medical Center (Olney), and Suburban Hospital (Bethesda). CareFirst of Maryland plans typically include access to these and other facilities in the broader Montgomery County area.

Making Your Health Insurance Decision in Bethesda

Choosing the right health insurance plan in Bethesda involves evaluating your healthcare needs, budget, and eligibility for financial assistance. Here’s a breakdown to guide your decision:

Your Household Income (as % FPL)	Recommended Action	Key Benefit
Below 138% FPL	Apply for Maryland HealthChoice (Medicaid)	No-cost comprehensive coverage. For pregnant women, eligibility extends to 250% FPL, and for children up to 300% FPL through MCHP.
138% - 250% FPL	Enroll in a Silver-tier plan on Maryland Health Connection	Eligible for significant Premium Tax Credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs), lowering both premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
251% - 400% FPL	Enroll in any metal-tier plan on Maryland Health Connection	Eligible for Premium Tax Credits to lower monthly premiums. Consider Silver, Gold, or Bronze based on healthcare usage.
Above 400% FPL	Explore all metal-tier plans on Maryland Health Connection or off-exchange	May not qualify for subsidies but can still benefit from guaranteed issue coverage and consumer protections of ACA-compliant plans.

Bethesda, a part of Montgomery County, has a notably low uninsured rate of 2.1%, reflecting strong access to coverage options. Montgomery County as a whole has a population of 1,065,949 and an uninsured rate of 7.0%, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. The robust local healthcare infrastructure, including Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, and the availability of multiple carriers like CareFirst of Maryland, ensure comprehensive care is accessible. A licensed health insurance producer can provide personalized guidance, helping you compare plans, understand networks, and apply for financial assistance at no cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enroll in a CareFirst of Maryland plan in Bethesda?

You can enroll in a CareFirst of Maryland health insurance plan through the Maryland Health Connection, the state's official health insurance marketplace. You can also work with a licensed health insurance producer who can guide you through the application process and help you compare plans.

What are the main hospitals affiliated with CareFirst of Maryland in the Bethesda area?

CareFirst of Maryland generally includes major hospitals in Montgomery County within its network. Key facilities in or near Bethesda include Suburban Hospital, Holy Cross Hospital (Silver Spring), and Adventist Healthcare Shady Grove Medical Center (Rockville). It is always recommended to verify specific provider and hospital affiliations with your chosen plan's network directory.

Is Maryland Medicaid (HealthChoice) available to Bethesda residents?

Yes, Maryland HealthChoice is available to eligible Bethesda residents. Maryland expanded Medicaid in 2014, making adults with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) eligible for coverage. Eligibility for pregnant women is up to 250% FPL, and for children up to 300% FPL through the Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP).