Prince George’s County Health Connect (PGC Health Connect), in conjunction with Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS), will hold a series of virtual “Get Connected” events in early November as part of efforts to help inform Maryland residents on the open enrollment period for health insurance. Sponsored by the state’s health insurance marketplace Maryland Health Connection (MHC), the 2020 open enrollment period for health and dental insurance is from November 1 through December 15; upon enrollment, the coverage begins 2021. 

The first “Get Connected” event scheduled will take place on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at 4 pm. It will feature a presentation, followed by a Q&A segment.  Bilingual navigators will be on standby to enroll community-members during the program. To participate in this virtual event, go to https://ww1.pgcmls.info/event/4646367.  

On Tuesday, November 17, 2020, at 7 pm, there will be a virtual community town hall meeting on “Accessing Health Insurance.” To participate, go to https://pgcmls.info/event/4660776.

PGC Health Connect is a program of Prince George’s County Department of Social Services (PGCDSS); providing the County with certified health insurance navigators who educate, conduct outreach, and enroll County residents ages 18 to 64 in health plans. “Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 has been a challenging year for many Prince Georgians,” says Gloria Brown Burnett, Director of PGCDSS. “If this year has taught us anything, it’s that we need to be prepared—especially when it comes to healthcare and maintaining wellness. Taking advantage of this open enrollment period is a great way to do that.” 

Navigators, many of whom are bilingual, help residents understand their plans and coverage options, as well as provide financial help. Trained health insurance brokers are also available to help residents throughout the entire six-week open enrollment period. This does not apply to Medicaid, as Medicaid enrollment is year-round. People who have coverage through Medicaid will receive a notice when it’s time to renew. 

Beginning November 1, PGC Health Connect navigators will be available at three call centers daily from 9 am to 4 pm; late evenings until 7 pm; and  Saturdays, 10 am to 4 pm.  To talk with a navigator in Prince George’s County, call (301) 927-4500, (240) 719-2167, or PGC Health Connect’s partner organization, CASA at (301) 270-8432 and (240) 270-1318.  For a listing of the hours and times,  visit PGCHealthConnect.org.

Residents may enroll online at MarylandHealthConnection.gov, through the free “Enroll MHC” mobile app, or by calling toll-free at 1 (855) 642-8572 from 8 am to 6 pm on weekdays. For extended and weekend hours, go to MarylandHealthConnection.gov. To learn more about 2021 health insurance plans and prices, residents can visitmarylandhealthconnection.gov/find-help/ to find free help.

Additionally:

Maryland Health Benefit Exchange: (MHBE) is a public corporation and independent unit of the state government. It was established in 2011 in accordance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA) and is responsible for the administration of Maryland Health Connection.

Maryland Health Connection: One of every six Marylanders receive their health coverage through Maryland Health Connection (MHC), the state-based health insurance marketplace. Residents can compare and enroll in health insurance as well as determine eligibility for Medicaid or financial help with private plans.

Information provided by Kellye Beathea, J.D.- Public Information Officer