Can accounting contractors get health insurance through Maryland Health Connection?

Yes, accounting and tax contractors in St. Mary's County can enroll in individual and family health plans through Maryland Health Connection. As self-employed individuals, they are eligible for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions based on their household income.

What types of health plans are available to contractors in St. Mary's County?

In St. Mary's County, contractors can choose from HMO, PPO, and EPO plans available on Maryland Health Connection. PPO plans are offered by carriers like CareFirst of Maryland and CareFirst BlueChoice, providing more flexibility in provider choice.

What is the income threshold for Medicaid for contractors in Maryland?

Maryland expanded Medicaid, so adults (including contractors) with household income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for Maryland Medicaid (HealthChoice). For pregnant women, the threshold is higher, up to 250% FPL.

Health Insurance for Accounting and Tax Contractors in St. Mary's County, Maryland

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

Accounting and tax contractors in St. Mary's County can access individual health plans through Maryland Health Connection.
Maryland Health Connection offers HMO, PPO, and EPO plan types, with 4 carriers participating in Rating Area 1 for 2026.
Individuals with income up to 400% FPL typically qualify for premium tax credits, significantly reducing monthly costs.
Maryland Medicaid (HealthChoice) is available for adults with income up to 138% FPL, and for pregnant women up to 250% FPL.

For accounting and tax contractors in St. Mary's County, navigating health insurance options is a critical part of managing their independent business. As self-employed professionals, you have several avenues for securing coverage, primarily through Maryland Health Connection, the state's official marketplace. This platform allows you to compare plans, apply for financial assistance like premium tax credits, and enroll in a plan that fits your needs and budget for the 2026 plan year. Understanding your eligibility for subsidies and the types of plans available is key to making an informed decision.

Get Your Free Health Insurance Quote

A licensed agent can compare coverage options for you at no cost.

✓

You're all set!

A licensed agent will reach out shortly.

Understanding Your Health Insurance Options as a Contractor

As an independent contractor in the accounting and tax fields, you are responsible for securing your own health coverage. Unlike traditional employees who might have access to employer-sponsored group plans, you'll typically explore individual and family plans. Maryland Health Connection provides a centralized marketplace where you can find plans that comply with the Affordable Care Act (ACA), ensuring comprehensive coverage without annual or lifetime limits on essential health benefits. The primary options for self-employed individuals in St. Mary's County include:

Maryland Health Connection (ACA Marketplace Plans): This is the most common route for contractors. Plans here are eligible for federal subsidies (premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions) based on your household income and family size.
Maryland Medicaid (HealthChoice): If your income falls below a certain threshold, you may qualify for free or low-cost health coverage through Maryland's expanded Medicaid program.
Private Off-Exchange Plans: You can purchase plans directly from carriers outside of Maryland Health Connection. However, these plans are generally not eligible for premium tax credits, making them a less cost-effective option for most contractors.

What ACA Plans Are Available in St. Mary's County?

In St. Mary's County, which is part of Maryland Rating Area 1, you have access to a variety of ACA-compliant health plans through Maryland Health Connection. These plans are categorized by "metal tiers" — Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum — indicating the level of cost-sharing between you and the plan.

Metal Tier	Coverage Level (Insurer Pays)	Your Out-of-Pocket Costs	Best For
Bronze	Approximately 60%	Higher deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums	Healthy individuals who want low monthly premiums and can cover higher costs if they need care.
Silver	Approximately 70%	Moderate deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums	Individuals and families who qualify for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) or expect moderate healthcare use. CSRs are only available with Silver plans.
Gold	Approximately 80%	Lower deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums	Those who anticipate significant healthcare needs and prefer lower costs when they receive care, willing to pay higher monthly premiums.
Platinum	Approximately 90%	Very low deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums	Individuals with extensive healthcare needs who want the most predictable costs and are comfortable with the highest monthly premiums.

Plan types available in Maryland include Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans. Unlike some states, PPO plans ARE available on-exchange in Maryland, offering more flexibility if you prefer to see out-of-network providers (though at a higher cost).

Qualifying for Financial Assistance in St. Mary's County

Many accounting and tax contractors in St. Mary's County qualify for financial assistance, which can significantly reduce the cost of health insurance. This assistance comes in two main forms through Maryland Health Connection:

Premium Tax Credits (Subsidies): These credits lower your monthly premium payments. Eligibility is based on your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and family size. Individuals and families with incomes up to 400% FPL typically qualify.
Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs): These are additional subsidies that reduce your out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. CSRs are only available if you enroll in a Silver-tier plan and have an income up to 250% FPL.

Maryland Medicaid (HealthChoice) is also a crucial option for lower-income residents. Maryland expanded Medicaid in 2014, meaning adults with income up to 138% FPL may qualify for comprehensive, no-cost or low-cost coverage. For pregnant women, the eligibility threshold is even higher, extending to 250% FPL, covering comprehensive prenatal care, labor, delivery, and extended postpartum care. Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP), the state CHIP equivalent, covers uninsured children up to 300% FPL. St. Mary's County, with a population of 115,126 and a median income of $119,446 per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, also has an uninsured rate of 3.9%, which is relatively low. This indicates that a significant portion of the population, including contractors, successfully utilizes available coverage options.

Health Insurance Carriers in St. Mary's County

In 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. These carriers provide a range of plan types across the metal tiers:

CareFirst BlueChoice
CareFirst of Maryland
Optimum Choice
Wellpoint

When selecting a plan, consider factors like network size, prescription drug coverage, and whether your preferred doctors and specialists are in-network for each carrier. While St. Mary's County has no acute care hospitals within its boundaries, residents often travel to neighboring counties for acute care. It is important to ensure your chosen plan provides adequate coverage for facilities and providers in the areas you access for medical services.

Making the Right Decision for Your Coverage

Choosing the best health insurance plan as an accounting or tax contractor in St. Mary's County depends on several factors, including your income, health needs, and budget.

If your income is below 138% FPL: You likely qualify for Maryland Medicaid (HealthChoice). Apply through Maryland Health Connection or your local Department of Social Services.
If your income is between 138% and 250% FPL: Consider a Silver plan on Maryland Health Connection. You'll qualify for both premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, making your monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs significantly lower.
If your income is between 250% and 400% FPL: You will still qualify for premium tax credits, which can be applied to any metal-tier plan. Compare Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans to find the best balance of premium and out-of-pocket costs for your expected healthcare usage.
If your income is above 400% FPL: While you won't qualify for subsidies, you can still purchase an ACA-compliant plan through Maryland Health Connection or directly from a carrier. Compare plan benefits and networks carefully.

A licensed health insurance producer can help you understand these thresholds, calculate your potential subsidies, and navigate the plan selection process to ensure you get the most suitable coverage for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deduct health insurance premiums as a self-employed contractor?

Yes, if you are self-employed and not eligible to participate in an employer-sponsored health plan, you can generally deduct the premiums you pay for health insurance for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents. This is known as the self-employed health insurance deduction and is taken as an adjustment to income, rather than an itemized deduction.

What if I have an existing health condition?

Under the Affordable Care Act, health insurance plans cannot deny you coverage or charge you more due to pre-existing conditions. All plans offered through Maryland Health Connection must cover essential health benefits, including care for pre-existing conditions, from day one of your coverage.

When can I enroll in a health insurance plan?

The primary enrollment period is during Open Enrollment, typically in the fall for coverage beginning the following year. However, if you experience a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) such as marriage, birth of a child, or loss of other coverage, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) outside of Open Enrollment.