The Maryland House has approved a measure that would enable individuals to purchase health insurance through the state's health care exchange regardless of their immigration status, pending the approval of a federal waiver. The bill, which passed with a 101-34 vote, will now move to the Senate for further consideration.
If enacted, the legislation would mandate the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange to submit a federal waiver application by July 1, 2025, to facilitate the implementation of the program. This waiver is necessary due to existing federal restrictions on undocumented immigrants accessing the marketplace. Notably, Washington state secured a similar waiver from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in late 2022. Should Maryland receive the waiver, the program could potentially launch as early as 2026.
