Maryland open enrollment 2027 Open enrollment · Maryland

Maryland Open Enrollment 2027 for People Between Jobs

Last updated November 3, 2026 · By Frank Caballero, licensed health insurance broker

Short answer

For people between jobs in Maryland, Maryland Health Connection sets the 2027 open enrollment dates; check its site for this year's deadlines. If you are healthy, a private, medically underwritten plan is another route that ignores the calendar: if approved, it can start the first of any month, right after your job coverage ends.

What 2027 looks like for you

Maryland's average 2027 rate change is 14.6% (finalized). The details are on the Maryland 2027 premium increase page.

Losing job-based coverage opens a 60-day special enrollment period, and open enrollment runs at the same time this fall, so most people between jobs have two doors open at once. Federal COBRA, where it applies, lasts up to 18 months at up to 102% of the full premium. Any Marketplace subsidy depends on your 2027 household income, with the line at $63,840 for one person and $86,560 for two.

Maryland this year

Final 2027 numbers put Maryland's individual average up 14.6 percent, roughly in line with the nation, and group coverage for small firms rises about 10.2 percent. Years of reinsurance help explain why full-price premiums here start below many neighbors'. For a federal or defense contractor between contracts, or a biotech worker along I-270, Maryland makes insured group plans, small employers included, offer residents continuation of up to 18 months after three months of coverage, whether they quit or were dismissed for something other than cause. You get 45 days to elect, then pay the full premium and a fee capped at 2 percent.

State continuation in Maryland: Maryland requires insured group plans, including those of employers with fewer than 20 workers, to offer up to 18 months of continuation to Maryland residents who leave a job voluntarily or are let go for reasons other than cause after three months of coverage. You have 45 days to elect it and pay the full premium plus up to a 2 percent fee.

One thing to do before you choose

Contract gaps in the DC suburbs can be short, so first decide how long you expect to be out. For a month or two, Maryland continuation, elected within 45 days, may keep your doctors without disruption. For a longer gap, price a Maryland Health Connection plan with your 2027 income. If an offer with benefits is close, ask the new employer when its coverage begins before choosing.

Your checklist

The exact date your job coverage ends, in writing
Your COBRA notice and its election deadline
Severance and final pay in your 2027 income estimate
A private quote while COBRA is still in reserve

Private plan or Marketplace?

Private plan

Healthy and between roles: priced on age, ZIP code and health, with COBRA kept in reserve. Approval depends on health answers; not an ACA Marketplace plan.

Marketplace

Ongoing treatment, or a year of lower income: Maryland Health Connection must accept you within the 60-day window or during open enrollment.

Compare Maryland plans this open enrollment

Private plans priced first, the Marketplace alongside when it fits. Phone or video, English or Spanish, no fee.

Get a quote Book a call (786) 218-2384

About your broker

Frank Caballero (NPN 21032307), licensed in 31 states including Maryland. Phone or video, English or Spanish, no fee; independent, not HealthCare.gov or any government agency.

Questions

Who sets Maryland's 2027 open enrollment deadline?

Maryland Health Connection, Maryland's own exchange. Check its site for this year's dates before you plan around them.

My Maryland contract ended on good terms. Do I qualify for state continuation?

If you are a Maryland resident who spent three months on an insured employer plan and you left voluntarily or for reasons other than cause, you can generally continue for 18 months or less. The election window is 45 days, and the cost is the full premium with a fee capped at 2 percent.

Can I get a private plan in Maryland after open enrollment closes?

Yes. You can apply in any month and, if approved, a private plan can start the first of a month; the insurer can decline based on health answers.

More for Maryland

Official source: Maryland Health Connection: special enrollment. FC Insurance Solutions is an independent, licensed brokerage and is not affiliated with any government agency.

Written by Frank Caballero, licensed health insurance broker in Maryland and 30 other states, NPN 21032307. Last updated November 3, 2026.