CareFirst of Maryland Health Insurance Plans in Washington County, MD

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

In 2026, 4 carriers, including CareFirst of Maryland and CareFirst BlueChoice, offer marketplace plans in Washington County.
Maryland residents with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for Maryland Medicaid (HealthChoice).
Maryland's state-based marketplace, Maryland Health Connection, offers HMO, PPO, and EPO plans with potential subsidies.
Pregnant women in Maryland can qualify for Medicaid with incomes up to 250% FPL, and children up to 300% FPL for CHIP (MCHP).

Navigating health insurance options in Washington County, Maryland, can feel complex, but understanding your choices with carriers like CareFirst of Maryland is key to securing appropriate coverage. For 2026, residents of Washington County have access to a robust marketplace through the Maryland Health Connection, which offers a range of plans from multiple carriers, including CareFirst of Maryland and CareFirst BlueChoice. These plans encompass various structures like Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), and Exclusive Provider Organizations (EPOs), with PPO options readily available on-exchange in Maryland. Depending on your household income, you may be eligible for significant financial assistance, such as premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, to make coverage more affordable.

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What Are Your Health Insurance Options in Washington County?

Residents of Washington County have several pathways to health insurance coverage, primarily through the Maryland Health Connection marketplace. This state-based marketplace (SBM) is where individuals and families can compare plans, apply for financial assistance, and enroll in coverage.

Maryland Health Connection Plans and Subsidies

The Maryland Health Connection offers plans categorized into metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. These tiers indicate the level of cost-sharing between you and your insurer, with Bronze plans having lower premiums and higher out-of-pocket costs, and Platinum plans offering the inverse. Premium Tax Credits: If your household income is between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), you may qualify for premium tax credits that lower your monthly insurance premiums. These credits are paid directly to your insurer, reducing your upfront cost. Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs): For those with incomes up to 250% FPL, additional savings are available in the form of cost-sharing reductions. These subsidies reduce your deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums. To receive CSRs, you must enroll in a Silver-tier plan.

Maryland Medicaid (HealthChoice)

Maryland expanded its Medicaid program in 2014, meaning adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify for comprehensive, low-cost health coverage through Maryland Medicaid, also known as HealthChoice. Unlike some states, Maryland does not have a "coverage gap" for adults in this income range. Eligibility also extends to specific populations: Pregnant women with incomes up to 250% FPL can receive comprehensive prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care. Children up to 300% FPL are eligible for the Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP), the state's CHIP equivalent. Enrollment for Maryland Medicaid is open year-round, and applications can be submitted through the Maryland Health Connection or your local Department of Social Services.

Understanding CareFirst of Maryland Plans in Your Area

CareFirst of Maryland is a prominent health insurance carrier offering plans through the Maryland Health Connection in Washington County. They provide a range of options designed to fit different needs and budgets. Washington County is part of Maryland 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. CareFirst of Maryland, along with CareFirst BlueChoice, offers both HMO and PPO plans in this rating area, giving residents flexibility in choosing their healthcare providers. For example, a PPO plan generally allows you to see out-of-network providers (though at a higher cost), while an HMO typically requires you to choose a primary care provider (PCP) and get referrals for specialists within the network. Understanding these differences is crucial for selecting a plan that aligns with your healthcare preferences and budget.

Health Insurance Carriers in Washington County

In 2026, 4 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 1, which includes Washington County. These carriers provide a variety of plan types across the metal tiers, ensuring a competitive selection for residents. The confirmed local carriers for Washington County's Rating Area 1 are:

CareFirst BlueChoice
CareFirst of Maryland
Optimum Choice
Wellpoint

When comparing plans, consider not only the premium but also the deductible, copayments, coinsurance, and the maximum out-of-pocket limit. It is also vital to check if your preferred doctors, specialists, and Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown are included in the plan's network. Washington County, with a population of 155,709 and an uninsured rate of 6.3% per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, is served by Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown for acute care. This hospital is a key facility for residents, and ensuring it is in-network with your chosen health plan, such as those from CareFirst of Maryland, is a critical consideration for local coverage.

Making Your Health Insurance Decision in Washington County

Choosing the right health insurance plan involves evaluating your healthcare needs, financial situation, and preferred providers. Here’s a breakdown of how to approach your decision:

Assess Your Income: Determine your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to understand your eligibility for subsidies or Maryland Medicaid (HealthChoice). For instance, if your income is below 138% FPL, you should investigate Maryland Medicaid first.
Consider Your Healthcare Usage: If you anticipate frequent doctor visits or need specific prescriptions, a Gold or Silver plan with lower out-of-pocket costs after the premium might be more cost-effective. If you're generally healthy and want to minimize monthly premiums, a Bronze plan could be suitable.
Review Provider Networks: Confirm that your current doctors, specialists, and local hospitals, including Meritus Medical Center, are in-network with any plan you are considering from CareFirst of Maryland or other carriers.
Compare Plan Types: Decide between an HMO, PPO, or EPO based on your preference for flexibility versus lower costs. Maryland offers PPO options on-exchange, which can be a significant advantage for those who prefer more choice in providers.

A licensed health insurance producer can provide personalized guidance, helping you compare plans from CareFirst of Maryland and other carriers, understand your subsidy eligibility, and enroll in the best plan for your needs—all at no cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of CareFirst plans are available in Washington County, MD?

In Washington County, CareFirst of Maryland and CareFirst BlueChoice both offer a variety of health plans, including HMO, PPO, and EPO options through the Maryland Health Connection marketplace. PPO plans are available on-exchange in Maryland, providing more flexibility in provider choice.

Can I get a subsidy for CareFirst of Maryland plans in Washington County?

Yes, if your household income falls between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), you may qualify for premium tax credits to reduce your monthly health insurance costs. Cost-sharing reductions are also available for those with incomes up to 250% FPL who choose a Silver plan.

Where can I enroll in a CareFirst of Maryland plan in Washington County?

You can enroll in CareFirst of Maryland plans and other marketplace options through the Maryland Health Connection, the state's official health insurance marketplace. Enrollment is typically during the annual Open Enrollment Period, or during a Special Enrollment Period if you experience a qualifying life event.

What hospitals are in Washington County for CareFirst plans?

Washington County is served by Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown. CareFirst of Maryland plans typically include this facility within their network, but it's always recommended to confirm specific provider and facility inclusion when selecting a plan.