Health Insurance for Students in Maryland

Students in Maryland have several health insurance options. Due to the Affordable Care Act, students can remain on their parents' health insurance until age 26 if they do not have employer-based health insurance. Per Maryland law, unmarried students can remain on their parents' plans until age 25, regardless of if they have employer-based insurance. Children under 19 may be eligible for coverage under the Maryland Children's Health Program, and college students may have access to school-sponsored health insurance plans.

The Affordable Care Act

• In September 2010, a provision of the Affordable Care Act went into effect that allows people under the age of 26 to stay on their parents' health insurance policy if they are not eligible for their own health insurance offered through an employer. Marylanders can remain on their parents' plan until age 25 regardless of if they can obtain insurance elsewhere. After 2014, they can remain on the plan despite eligibility for other coverage. Additionally, the student does not need to be full time or unmarried under the Affordable Care Act.

School-Sponsored Insurance

• College and university-sponsored health insurance plans are available at most Maryland schools. Schools partner with major carriers such as Aetna (Towson University) and United Healthcare (University of Maryland at College Park, Frostburg State University) to provide student health insurance plans. These plans provide full coverage. Policies are not renewable, and the student must reapply each school year. Each school's health center has information about plan details and costs.

Maryland Children's Health Program

• The Maryland Children's Health Program is available to financially needy children up to age 19 as well as pregnant women of all ages. MCHP offers health insurance to children even if their parents don't qualify for Medicaid. The plan is free or low cost, depending on need, and provides full coverage for routine care, preventive care, and illnesses and accidents. Applications for MCHP are online (see Resources), at health departments, department of social services, WIC centers and hospitals and schools.

Bottom Line

• Insurance for students in Maryland is readily available. Besides a parents' plan, individual plans and coverage through an employer, look to schools and the state of Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene as resources. Maryland schools, such as the University of Maryland at College Park, require their full-time students to have health insurance while others strongly suggest that students obtain insurance.