Young adults in Maryland face persistent challenges in obtaining and maintaining health insurance, often leaving them vulnerable when medical emergencies occur. The transition to independent coverage involves navigating complex systems with limited guidance, and several life events can trigger loss of coverage—including a parent’s death, job changes, and aging out of parental plans.
Autumn Greene’s experience illustrates the consequences. When her mother died, Greene, then 21, lost her health insurance without warning. She was a student at the University of Maryland Global Campus covered under her mother’s state plan, but no one informed her the coverage would end with her mother’s death. Her father, who lives out of state and is disabled, could not add her to his insurance. At that time, Greene was receiving weekly therapy and psychiatric care for bipolar II disorder and other mental health conditions. After losing coverage, she could no longer afford treatment. Her therapy office provided temporary care during a brief grace period, but it ended soon after. When she obtained coverage through employment, workplace bullying led her to quit, causing her to lose insurance again. She earned too much to qualify for Medicaid. Without access to medication or mental health support, her condition deteriorated. She attempted suicide and was hospitalized, receiving a $14,000 bill after being incorrectly told treatment would be covered.
The Affordable Care Act allows young adults to remain on a parent’s health plan until age 26, with a 120-day window—60 days before and after their birthday—to ease the transition. However, transitions for many young adults occur earlier when they finish school, lose a parent, age out of foster care, or leave jobs. In 2026, pandemic-era tax credits expired and premiums increased nationwide. Maryland responded by making its Young Adult Subsidy permanent, providing additional state support for residents under 37.
Maryland offers free support through navigators and brokers via MarylandHealthConnection.gov, along with the Maryland Insurance Administration’s consumer assistance team for handling denials and billing disputes. Experts recommend understanding basic terms like copay and deductible, shopping only through regulated sources, and confirming provider networks before enrolling.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.dundalkeagle.com/news/a-challenge-for-young-marylanders-getting-and-keeping-health-insurance/article_e6eac3c3-37ee-4d6d-8151-2e8699470307.html