ANNAPOLIS, MD —The Maryland Health Benefit Exchange today announced enrollment data for the most recent open enrollment period, from Nov. 1, 2025 through Jan. 15, 2026. Though initial numbers show a very slight increase in total enrollment, data also show that for Maryland’s more than 250,000 individual marketplace enrollees, health insurance is becoming harder to afford as consumers are “buying down” in favor of less expensive coverage.
“Maryland families are currently balancing two competing values: protection versus price. At a moment when families are paying more for less health care coverage, our state will continue to act with urgency—especially when the Trump-Vance Administration refuses to,” said Gov. Wes Moore. “No state can fully replace the role of the federal government when it abandons its responsibilities. But in Maryland, our Administration will continue to stand in the gap, protect our people, and fight to drive down the cost of quality health care for working families.”
Data from the most recent open enrollment period show:
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255,612 individuals enrolled, up only 3% from last year—open enrollment for 2024-2025 saw an increase of 16%;
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Black consumer enrollment grew 4%; Hispanic consumer enrollment grew 2%;
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By comparison, Healthcare.gov, the federally facilitated marketplace, saw a 9.2% decline in enrollment, according to data from CMS.gov;
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Overall, new enrollments were down 12%;
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Dental plan enrollments rose 9%;
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Enrollment in vision plans increased by 42%;
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Enrollments by young adults aged 18-37 grew 7% from last year; more than 74% of them were eligible for a subsidy that Maryland created for young adults in 2022 to encourage their enrollment in health insurance;
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5,743 people who formerly had a gold plan chose a bronze plan
At the end of 2025, Congressional Republicans failed to extend the Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits, resulting in marketplace premiums increasing across the nation by an average of 18%. In Maryland, the rates increased by an average of 13.4%.
“This year’s enrollment numbers show that despite rising insurance prices, Marylanders still want the peace of mind that comes with having health insurance,” said Maryland Health Benefit Exchange Executive Director Michele Eberle. “Our priority is to make coverage affordable and accessible. The Maryland Premium Assistance program prevented significant hikes for low and middle income families.”
To help protect access to coverage and lower costs for Maryland families—and in anticipation of federal inaction on the tax cuts—Governor Moore and the Maryland General Assembly acted during the 2025 legislative session to expand Maryland’s Premium Assistance Program to help lower premiums for those who purchase health insurance through Maryland Health Connection who make less than 400% of the federal poverty level. More than 177,000 Marylanders are currently receiving assistance through the program.
“Health insurance is essential to the well-being of our families and the strength of our communities," said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani, who chairs the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange Board of Trustees. “Our focus is on meeting people where they are and making sure Marylanders can access the care and coverage they need to live healthy, productive lives.”
A clearer picture of the Maryland marketplace will be more apparent in coming months. The expiration of the credits is expected to result in lapsed policies as consumers are unable to pay the first month’s premium. Cancelled policies also contribute to increasing the cost of coverage in the pool.
Though open enrollment is now closed, individuals who are in need of health care coverage can still gain access. Qualifying life events—including losing employer coverage, getting married or divorced, or turning 26 and aging off a parent’s plan—may also be eligible to enroll now. Marylanders can also check a box indicating need for coverage on their state income tax returns to enroll in a program offered through the Office of the Comptroller. Anyone who files for unemployment insurance may also gain access to coverage through the Maryland Department of Labor.
People who are eligible for health coverage through Medicaid can enroll any time of the year.
Dynamic enrollment data are available at marylandhbe.com.
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