Record-Breaking Health Insurance Enrollment in Maryland: A Closer Look at 2024’s Success
Maryland’s health insurance marketplace has hit a historic milestone.During the 2024 open enrollment period,a record-breaking 247,000 Marylanders secured private health insurance through the state’s marketplace,marking a 16% increase from the previous year. This surge includes significant growth among Black, Hispanic, and young adult populations, according to data released by the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange (MHBE).
“We’re really thrilled,” said Michele eberle, executive director of MHBE. “Last year … I said to my team, ‘Let’s try to get 250,000 this year,’ and they all thought I was crazy. Lo and behold — we came up with over 247,000.So, we’re getting pretty darn close to that.”
The open enrollment period, which ran from November 1, 2023, to January 15, 2024, saw a total of 247,243 Marylanders purchasing health coverage. This continues a seven-year upward trend in enrollments,reflecting the state’s efforts to make health insurance more accessible and affordable.
Young Adults Lead the Way
Table of Contents
One of the standout achievements of this enrollment cycle was the significant increase in participation among young adults aged 18-37. More than one-third of all enrollments—89,642—came from this demographic, representing a 21% increase from 2023.
“That’s 36% of our total enrollments this year,” Eberle noted.
A key driver of this growth is the young adult subsidy, introduced in 2022 as a pilot program. This subsidy reduces monthly health care costs by an average of $38 for eligible individuals. In 2024, 72% of young adult enrollees qualified for this financial assistance.
Eberle emphasized the importance of having young, healthy individuals in the insurance pool. “It helps keep premium costs down for everyone, while also ensuring that younger adults are covered during unanticipated medical situations,” she said.
breaking down the Numbers
The table below summarizes the key enrollment figures for 2024:
| Demographic | Enrollments | Increase from 2023 |
|————————|—————–|————————|
| Total enrollments | 247,243 | 16% |
| Young Adults (18-37) | 89,642 | 21% |
| Black Marylanders | 23% increase | |
| Hispanic Marylanders | Significant growth | |
Expanding Access for Underserved Communities
The MHBE also celebrated notable progress in enrolling Black and Hispanic Marylanders. Enrollment among Black residents grew by 23%, while Hispanic communities saw significant increases as well. These gains reflect targeted outreach efforts to address disparities in health care access.
Looking Ahead
As the state continues to build on this momentum, lawmakers are considering making the young adult subsidy permanent. Some members of the General Assembly have expressed interest in introducing legislation during the 2025 session to extend this critical support.
Maryland’s success in 2024 underscores the importance of accessible health care and targeted initiatives to reach underserved populations. With record-breaking enrollment numbers and a commitment to equity, the state is setting a powerful exmaple for health care reform nationwide.
For more information on enrolling in health insurance or finding assistance, visit the Maryland Health Connection.Maryland’s health insurance marketplace saw significant shifts in enrollment during the 2024 enrollment period, with notable increases in renewals but a slight decline in new sign-ups. enrollments rose by 23%, jumping from 41,611 in 2023 to 51,086 this year. Among Hispanic Marylanders, enrollment grew by 25%, from 28,701 to 35,883. However,new enrollments dipped by 4%,from 56,220 in 2023 to 54,255 this year.
Eberle, a key figure at the health exchange, isn’t concerned about the drop in new enrollments. “The reason is that all last year, we had the public health emergency unwind. So as people were moving off of Medicaid, it qualified them for a special enrollment, and they could come in and get coverage through the exchange,” she explained. “We started our renewals at a much higher level than we had in years past.”
Renewals surged by 22%, with 193,000 people renewing their coverage this year compared to 158,000 in 2023.Eberle attributes this growth to the affordability of health plans, which she calls the “stickiness” of insurance. “If people like their health plans and they feel that it’s affordable for them,then they stay in their coverage,” she said. “So those are all good signs.”
Despite the positive trends, Eberle and her team are preparing for potential challenges under the incoming Trump administration.Federal policy changes could impact access to affordable health care plans, particularly for vulnerable groups like Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, or “Dreamers.” For the first time this year, DACA recipients were allowed to purchase private health insurance through the state marketplace, thanks to a federal change by the Biden administration. About 249 Marylanders with DACA status took advantage of this opportunity.
However, Eberle is concerned that this newfound access could be at risk. “I think we’ll just be on guard for any changes coming down from the federal government,” she said. “We’ll be eyes wide open. We’ll be prepared for what may come out of Congress or what may come out of the new federal administration and how we can make sure that we can get health coverage for Marylanders. That will be our largest challenge this year.”
Key Enrollment Data (2023 vs. 2024)
| Metric | 2023 | 2024 | Change |
|————————–|———-|———-|————|
| Total Enrollments | 41,611 | 51,086 | +23% |
| Hispanic Enrollments | 28,701 | 35,883 | +25% |
| New Enrollments | 56,220 | 54,255 | -4% |
| renewals | 158,000 | 193,000 | +22% |
| DACA Recipients Enrolled | N/A | 249 | N/A |
As Maryland’s health exchange navigates these changes, the focus remains on ensuring affordable and accessible health care for all residents, regardless of federal policy shifts.
Record-Breaking Health Insurance Enrollment in Maryland: A Closer Look at 2024’s Success
Maryland’s health insurance marketplace has hit a historic milestone. During the 2024 open enrollment period, a record-breaking 247,000 Marylanders secured private health insurance through the state’s marketplace, marking a 16% increase from the previous year. This surge includes notable growth among Black,Hispanic,and young adult populations,according to data released by the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange (MHBE). we sat down with Dr.Sarah Collins, a health policy expert and professor at Johns Hopkins University, to discuss the factors behind this success and what it means for the future of health care in Maryland.
Understanding the Enrollment Surge
Senior Editor: Dr. Collins, the MHBE reported a 16% increase in enrollments this year, with over 247,000 Marylanders signing up for health insurance.What do you think drove this growth?
Dr. Collins: There are several factors at play here. First, the affordability of health plans has been a significant driver. The MHBE has worked hard to ensure that plans are accessible, especially for lower-income families and individuals. Additionally, the introduction of subsidies like the young adult subsidy has made a big difference in encouraging younger, healthier individuals to enroll.
Young Adults Leading the Way
senior Editor: Speaking of young adults, enrollments among 18- to 37-year-olds jumped by 21%. Why is this demographic so critical to the success of the marketplace?
Dr. Collins: Young adults are essential as they tend to be healthier and use fewer health care services. When they enroll, it helps balance the risk pool, which can keep premiums lower for everyone. The young adult subsidy, which reduces monthly costs by an average of $38, has been notably effective in encouraging this group to sign up. It’s a smart investment in the long-term sustainability of the marketplace.
Expanding Access for Underserved Communities
Senior Editor: The MHBE also reported significant growth among Black and Hispanic Marylanders, with enrollments among Black residents increasing by 23%. What do these numbers tell us about efforts to address health disparities?
Dr.Collins: These numbers reflect the success of targeted outreach initiatives. The MHBE has made a concerted effort to engage with underserved communities, partnering with local organizations and conducting culturally sensitive outreach.It’s encouraging to see these efforts paying off, but there’s still more work to be done to ensure everyone has access to affordable, quality health care.
Challenges on the Horizon
Senior Editor: Michele eberle of the MHBE mentioned concerns about potential policy changes under the incoming governance. How might federal changes impact Maryland’s progress?
Dr. Collins: Federal policy shifts could certainly pose challenges, especially for vulnerable populations like DACA recipients. For the first time this year, DACA recipients were allowed to purchase private insurance through the marketplace, and 249 Marylanders took advantage of this opportunity. If this access is rolled back, it could leave many without coverage. It’s crucial for the state to stay vigilant and advocate for policies that protect these gains.
Looking Ahead
Senior Editor: what’s next for Maryland’s health insurance marketplace? Are there plans to build on this momentum?
Dr. Collins: Absolutely. Making the young adult subsidy permanent would be a significant step forward. Lawmakers are also considering ways to expand outreach and simplify the enrollment process. Maryland’s success in 2024 sets a powerful example for other states. By focusing on affordability, accessibility, and equity, the state is demonstrating how to create a health care system that works for everyone.
Senior Editor: Thank you,Dr. Collins, for your insights. It’s clear that Maryland’s achievements this year are a testament to thoughtful policy and dedicated outreach efforts.
