New legislation aims to extend a subsidy program in Maryland that aims to keep health care affordable for young adults and stabilize costs for everyone.
In a recent Maryland Matters article, state lawmakers have indicated they would like to bring legislation this session to extend the sunset of a pilot program that is set to expire in 2025. The pilot program aims to reduce health insurance costs for young adults. Lawmakers argue the State-Based Young Adult Health Insurance Subsidies Pilot Program, launched in 2021, is a success in increasing insurance coverage among young adults, a group historically less likely to enroll in health plans. The fiscal note of the legislation that passed in 2021 had no local expenditure effect.
To ensure its continuation, Senator Clarence Lam (D-Anne Arundel and Howard) plans to sponsor legislation in the 2025 General Assembly session to extend the program through 2028. Joined by Anne Arundel County Executive Pittman and Howard County Executive Ball at a press conference in Howard County, Senator Lam emphasized the program’s critical role in expanding health coverage.
From Maryland Matters:
“As the only physician in the Senate, we know it’s important to get as many people covered under health insurance as possible. It not only helps our patients that we see, but it also helps our entire community,” said Senator Clarence Lam (D-Anne Arundel and Howard)
Young adults aged 18-37 represent a significant portion of uninsured Marylanders. Many in this age group either lack employer-provided insurance or assume they don’t need coverage. However, their participation in the insurance marketplace is essential to balancing the pool, which helps keep premiums affordable for everyone.
Stay tuned to the Conduit Street for more information.
