What Does Medicaid Cover?
In Maryland, Medicaid provides a wide range of health services for its members, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications.
Benefits for Adults
Maryland Medicaid covers the following benefits and more at no cost:
- Doctor visits
- Regular checkups
- Visits with specialists
- Pregnancy care
- Family planning and birth control
- Prescription medicines
- Hospital and emergency services
- Primary mental health services through your doctor
Benefits for Children
Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP) provides health benefits for children up to age 19.
MCHP covers the following benefits:
- Doctor visits
- Regular checkups
- Visits when sick
- Vaccines, like flu shots
- Prescription medicines
- Hospitalizations
- Lab work and tests
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Dental care
- Vision care
Is dental care covered?
Yes, dental care is included for those enrolled in Medicaid and MCHP.Dental care coverage includes:
- Regular checkups
- Teeth cleaning
- Fluoride treatments
- X-rays
- Fillings
- Root canals
- Crowns
- Extractions
- Anesthesia
- Denture adjustments
Dental care is an important part of overall health. Medicaid makes it possible for many Maryland residents to get dental care.
Who qualifies for Medicaid?
To qualify for Medicaid in Maryland, you must:
- Live in Maryland
- Meet Medicaid’s citizenship or immigration requirements
For more information, see Medicaid immigration status requirements.
How to apply for Medicaid in Maryland?
Applying is the only way to know if you are eligible for Medicaid. Even if you didn’t qualify before, you might qualify now.
When can I apply?
You can apply for Medicaid at any time. Enrollment is open year-round.
If you apply and are eligible, your coverage will begin on the first day of the month you applied. For example, if you apply on Dec. 12 and are found eligible, your coverage will be considered effective Dec. 1.
How to apply for Medicaid in Maryland?
You can apply:
- online at www.marylandhealthconnection.gov
- by downloading the free mobile app, EnrollMHC
- by visiting a local connector entity, health department, or department of social service
- by calling 1-855-642-8572 (TTY: 1-855-642-8573)
What immigration statuses are eligible for Medicaid?
Starting October 1, 2026, Medicaid eligibility based on immigration status is generally limited to:
- Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders) who meet or are exempt from the five-year rule
- Cuban/Haitian entrants
- and COFA migrants
Different rules may apply to children under 21 and pregnant individuals.
For more information, see Medicaid immigration status requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Family planning services include:
- Advice about birth control methods
- Physical exams
- Screenings, such as pap smears for sexually transmitted infections
- Birth control pills and devices
- Emergency contraception
- Permanent sterilization
Medicaid plans offered through Maryland Health Connection cover essential benefits like doctor visits, hospitalizations, and prescriptions to help people living with cancer. Plans may also cover cancer screenings at no cost to members.
Sources
https://www.marylandhealthconnection.gov/after-you-enroll/medicaid/what-medicaid-covers/
https://www.marylandhealthconnection.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/MHC_Factsheet_Medicaid.pdf
https://www.marylandhealthconnection.gov/faqs/
https://health.maryland.gov/mmcp/familyplanning/Pages/Home.aspx
https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/mch/Pages/MFPP-Cancer-Screening-&-Prevention.aspx
https://www.marylandhealthconnection.gov/after-you-enroll/medicaid/what-medicaid-covers/
