Guest feature: Theresa Battaglia is the Small Business Outreach Manager for the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, which is responsible for the administration of the Maryland Health Connection. Follow along on Facebook  and Twitter .

Need health coverage in 2023? There is still time…

Sign up for health insurance through Maryland Health Connection's Easy Enrollment Program . By checking a box on your state tax form, you can get access to checkups, mental health care, and more.

Just check the box on your tax return if you would like the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange to estimate your eligibility for coverage. If you file your taxes by April 18, 2023, you’ll start an easy process that will enable you to enroll outside of the fall open enrollment period.

“Over the past three years, nearly 15,000 Marylanders received health insurance through Maryland Health Connection by checking the box on their state tax form,” said Michele Eberle, executive director of the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange. “We are thrilled to be able to offer another opportunity for Marylanders to get health coverage.”

The Maryland Health Connection also helps small businesses and nonprofit organizations  provide health insurance coverage to their employees, and can be signed up for at any time. The Maryland Health Connection will review applications to confirm that employers meet eligibility requirements and will provide a notice of the eligibility determination.

Here’s how the Easy Enrollment Program works:

Check the box: A question on your state tax form (502 and 502B) will ask if you want to share some of your information, like your household size and income. By checking this box on the tax return, you are giving permission for the Comptroller to share information with Maryland Health Benefit Exchange.

File your taxes: If you check the box, Maryland Health Connection will check to see if you may be eligible for free or low-cost health coverage.

Receive a letter: Shortly after you file your taxes, MHC will mail you a letter explaining your eligibility for free or low-cost health coverage. Nine out of 10 Marylanders who enrolled through MHC last year qualified for savings. You will have 35 days from the date on your letter to sign up for a health plan and access these savings.

Enroll through Maryland Health Connection: Once you receive your letter, you can log into your account or create an account to explore your health plan options and enroll. When you begin your application, a new question will ask if you or a household member received a “Tax Time SEP” notice. If anyone in your household is already enrolled, you can still add uninsured household members under “Reason for Change.”

Get help by phone: Contact a navigator from Maryland Health Connection to help you enroll for free. Find a navigator by county  or call 1-855-642-8572 to apply.

Broker Connect: You can also contact an MHC authorized insurance broker to discuss your private health plan options. Connect with a broker  and get free expert help in 30 minutes or less. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Maryland Health Connection is a one-stop marketplace for Maryland residents to explore health insurance plans, tax credits, and financial assistance. You can get an estimate and enroll in health plans now at MarylandHealthConnection.gov .