The main Maryland Medicaid phone number is 1-855-642-8572, the Maryland Health Connection Consumer Support Center. Lines are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the same number handles new applications, renewals, and general eligibility questions.1Maryland Health Connection. Home – Maryland Health Connection Callers who are deaf or hard of hearing can use the TTY line at 1-855-642-8573.2Department of Human Services. Medical Assistance
That number covers most people. A few situations route elsewhere, and calling the wrong line usually means being told to call another one.
When to Call the Department of Human Services Instead
The Maryland Department of Human Services runs a separate toll-free line at 1-800-332-6347 for public assistance programs, including Medical Assistance, food assistance, and temporary cash assistance.
DHS, not Maryland Health Connection, handles Medicaid renewals for people who are 65 or older, blind or disabled, or enrolled in a Home and Community-Based Services waiver program.3Maryland Department of Health. Renew Your Medicaid Coverage and Report Changes If you fall into one of those groups, start with DHS.
When to Call Your Local Department of Social Services
Maryland has 24 local Department of Social Services offices, one for each county and Baltimore City.4Department of Human Services. href=”https://dhs.maryland.gov/weathering-tough-times/medical-assistance/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Medical Assistance Local offices handle day-to-day case work after you’re enrolled: moves, changes in household size, income changes, and paperwork updates.
Phone numbers and addresses for each local office are in the Department of Human Services online directory.5Maryland Department of Human Services. Local Offices You can also apply in person at any of these offices.
Retroactive Medicaid claims — coverage for medical bills from up to three months before you applied — go through your local health department or local Department of Social Services, not the main call center.6Maryland Health Connection. Retroactive Medicaid
Managed Care Organization Phone Numbers
Once you’re approved for Medicaid, you pick a Managed Care Organization through the HealthChoice program. Your MCO is your day-to-day plan and handles providers, referrals, and covered services.7Maryland Department of Health. HealthChoice For a lost member card, a provider question, or a service authorization, call the MCO, not the state.
As of February 2026, Maryland’s HealthChoice program includes nine MCOs:8Maryland Department of Health. HealthChoice Maryland Medicaid Managed Care Program MCO Comparison Chart
- Aetna Better Health: (866) 827-2710
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Community Health Plan Maryland: (800) 730-8530
- Jai Medical Systems: (888) 524-1999
- Kaiser Permanente: (855) 249-5019
- Maryland Physicians Care: (800) 953-8854
- MedStar Family Choice: (888) 404-3549
- Priority Partners: (800) 654-9728
- United Healthcare Community Plan: (800) 318-8821
- Wellpoint Maryland: (833) 707-0867 (TTY 711)
Your MCO’s number also prints on the back of your member card. If you haven’t received a card yet or don’t remember which plan you chose, call Maryland Health Connection at 1-855-642-8572 for help.
Free Help From a Navigator or Broker
If the phone tree isn’t getting you where you need to go, certified navigators offer free in-person and phone help in every county. They can walk you through an application, check eligibility, or handle a renewal with you.9Maryland Health Connection. Find Help
Maryland Health Connection publishes a directory of navigator organizations with names, phone numbers, and locations on its Find Help page. Licensed insurance brokers also help at no cost, and a broker callback service is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.9Maryland Health Connection. Find Help
What to Have Ready Before You Call
Calls move faster when you have your documents in front of you. For a new application or a renewal, expect an automated menu that routes you based on whether you’re starting fresh or managing an existing case. Pull together:
- Social Security number
- Proof of income, such as recent pay stubs or a tax return
- Details on any current health insurance
- Citizenship or immigration documentation, if applicable
You can also skip the phone entirely by applying at MarylandHealthConnection.gov or through the free Enroll MHC mobile app, which lets you submit an application, upload documents, and read notices.1Maryland Health Connection. Home – Maryland Health Connection
Renewals and Reporting Changes
Maryland reviews your Medicaid eligibility every 12 months. You’ll get a renewal notice by mail or through your online account and have 60 days to respond.3Maryland Department of Health. Renew Your Medicaid Coverage and Report Changes Miss that window and coverage can lapse.
Some enrollees are renewed automatically when the state can verify eligibility through other data. If you can’t be auto-renewed, complete the process through Maryland Health Connection, or through DHS if you’re 65 or older, blind or disabled, or in a waiver program.3Maryland Department of Health. Renew Your Medicaid Coverage and Report Changes
Report any change in income, address, household size, pregnancy, or marital status within 10 days. Not reporting a change can mean losing coverage or owing money back to the state. If you do lose eligibility, you have 60 days to enroll in other coverage through Maryland Health Connection.3Maryland Department of Health. Renew Your Medicaid Coverage and Report Changes
If Your Application Is Denied
Denials and benefit reductions can be challenged through a fair hearing at the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings. Your denial notice will include the hearing request instructions and the deadline. For a dispute with your MCO, such as a denied service or claim, file the appeal with your MCO first, then request a state fair hearing within 120 days of the MCO’s written decision.10Legal Information Institute. Maryland Code of Regulations 10.67.09.05 – MCO Appeal Process for Enrollees
Hearing requests can be sent by mail to the Office of Administrative Hearings at 11101 Gilroy Road, Hunt Valley, Maryland 21031, or by fax at (410) 690-8863.11Office of Administrative Hearings. Office of Administrative Hearings Your hearing notice will say whether the hearing is remote or in person.