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There is no arguing that the number of older people in the country is continuing to grow and with this is the increasing number of people needing all sorts of care—from health to assistance in their daily living.

This situation is no different in Maryland. And with the rising number of people needing greater health care and assistance during their old age is the increasing cost of health and medical care in the state, something that each person would need to address at a certain point of their life. One of the major factors affecting the cost of health care is geographic, with those living within and around major cities such as Washington and Baltimore expecting to pay more than anywhere else in Maryland. There are different ways to avail of health insurance in the state. One of the options available for those gainfully employed is availing of health insurance coverage through group plans or through small employer health plans, whichever is considered applicable. This type of health insurance is usually offered as part of the compensation package and part or whole of the premium is usually shouldered by the employer. Those with preexisting conditions that usually disqualifies them from obtaining individual health insurance policies are covered under the group plans, subject to certain terms and conditions of the insurance provider.

As mentioned, those who are seeking individual health insurance policies from private insurers might be rejected due to preexisting medical conditions, which insurers would know when they require potential policyholders to undergo medical examinations upon application. Consequently, only those who are physically fit are allowed to purchase such a policy. The Maryland Health Care Commission also developed the Comprehensive Standard Health Benefit Plan which is offered to small employers with 50 or less employees. This type of health insurance policy is quite similar to group plans, though it is up to the Commission to monitor the plan to meet certain limitations and requirements.

The state also offers insurance policies for those considered to be part of the high-risk insurance pool. These policies are offered through the Maryland Health Insurance Plan provided the potential policyholder meets several requirements, such as living within the state for the last six months, is receiving unemployment benefits or pension from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, and has been denied by all other insurance providers, both in the private and public sectors. Though the state administers this type of insurance plan, it is still administered by a selected private vendor.

Apart from the mentioned health insurance policies, residents of the state should know that there are also other options for them to obtain health care. These include government assistance programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, Health Savings Accounts, Medical Discount Plans, and Self-Insured Plans.

Under state law, health insurance policyholders with a child under 25 years of age may also decide to keep that child as dependent of the policy, provided the child fulfills several requirements--such as being a full time student, single, or being incapable of self-support. Parents may also have the option of enrolling their children who are 19 years and younger with the Maryland Children’s Health Insurance Program, a state-administered program which provides Medicaid coverage as well as the Maryland Medicaid Pharmacy Plan.