Health Care Resources for Uninsured Marylanders
Maryland Health Connection is committed to helping all Marylanders understand how federal changes impact their health coverage and get connected with resources. If you or someone you know is unable to get health coverage, there may be other ways to access health care services. Share some of the many health care & community resources outlined below with your community members who do not have insurance. In the event of an emergency, please dial 911.
From food resources to housing information, there’s help for everyone. Below you’ll find a list of some key resources available for Marylanders. More resources are available through 211 Maryland.
Start Here: Call 211 Maryland
If you aren't sure which program is right for you, start with 211 Maryland. You can call 211 and explain what you need. A trained specialist can help connect you with local resources. 211 is the state's most comprehensive health and human services Information and Referral System in Maryland. With over 7,500 resources, you can get connected to local help. 211 can help with food, housing, immigration, utility assistance and much more. There are several ways to get connected and get help.
Here's how to get help:
- Dial 211 and speak with someone who can help identify needs and resources.
- Search for resources by ZIP code and need.
- Get information and resource referrals for top needs like food, housing, employment, child care and more.
Where Can I Get Health Care Without Insurance?
Not having insurance does not always mean you have to go without care.
You may be able to find free or low-cost health care through your local health department or a community health center. You can also learn about health programs through the Maryland Department of Health and Maryland Department of Human Services:
The local health departments offer support finding free or affordable health care options in your county.
Federally Qualified Health Centers
There are more than 100 federally qualified health centers in Maryland. The directory is located on the Maryland Department of Health Office of Health Care Quality licensee page.
The department offers essential public health services for Marylanders including immunizations, WIC, Medicaid and more.
Maryland Department of Human Services
The department provides essential services to Marylanders including health and medical, energy and utilities, food and cash, adult services, child protective services, child support services, and youth services.
Help Paying for Hospital Care
If you do not have health insurance, you may qualify for hospital financial assistance.
Maryland hospitals may provide financial help to people who are:
- Uninsured
- Underinsured
- Unable to pay the full cost of care
- Facing financial hardship
Financial assistance may help with emergency care and other medically necessary services.
Marylanders may be eligible for financial assistance if they do not have insurance, are underinsured, or if it would be a financial hardship to pay full out-of-pocket expenses for emergency or other medically necessary care. Maryland hospitals aim to treat patients with dignity and compassion in all aspects, including greater understanding of known financial circumstances or constraints.
Emergency Medical Coverage through Medicaid
Hospitals can help you to apply for Emergency Medicaid which may cover the cost of an emergency that needs immediate care if deemed necessary. Medicaid provides limited emergency medical coverage if you do not have an eligible immigration status but are otherwise eligible for Medicaid. For more information, call your local health department.
Mental and Behavioral Health Care
Your mental health matters, too. If you do not have insurance, you may still be able to find free or low-cost counseling, mental health care, and substance use services in Maryland:
If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, depression or problems with drugs or alcohol, you’re not alone. Marylanders can get immediate help by calling or texting 988.
When you contact 988, you are provided with support and information on local resources. You can also get immediate in-person help if needed. Learn more or chat online now.
Local NAMI affiliates in Maryland offer free peer support, education and outreach programs, and engage mental health advocates in their communities.
Mental Health Association of Maryland
MHAMD’s community outreach and education provide Marylanders of all ages with information to improve their understanding of behavioral health, increase knowledge of effective interventions, reduce stigma, and strengthen pathways to care.
Maryland Behavioral Health Administration
Explore services for mental health, alcohol and drug use, gambling problems, and veterans support. The Behavioral Health Administration, as part of the Maryland Department of Health, oversees inpatient and community behavioral health services to help Marylanders with mental health, substance use disorders and more. The Local Behavioral Health Authority may also provide local resources.
Free mental health care from licensed professionals for families and individuals with no insurance and low incomes. Contact Pro Bono Counseling at 410-825-1001 or WarmLine at 410.598.0234.
Get Help Paying for Prescription Medications
Prescription medicine can be expensive, especially when you do not have insurance. The Maryland Prescription Drug Affordability Board works to make prescription drugs more affordable for Maryland residents.
If you are having trouble paying for medicine, you can contact the board to learn about available programs and resources:
The Maryland Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB)
PDAB is working to make prescription medications more affordable for state residents. If you or someone you know is experiencing affordability challenges, the PDAB staff can help connect you with available resources and support programs. Visit their patient submission form, email access.pdab@maryland.gov or call 410-701-4981 to find assistance or share your experience today.
Health and Legal Resources for Immigrants
Immigrants and their families can find health, legal, and community support in Maryland:
The nonprofit offers support for the immigrant community by blending human services, community organizing, and advocacy in order to serve the full spectrum of the needs, dreams, and aspirations of members
Maryland Legal Aid provides a full range of free civil legal services to financially eligible individuals from 12 office locations. Their legal work helps to protect peoples’ basic needs and human rights. Get help now by calling 1-888-465-2468 or apply with online in-take.
Maryland Office for Refugees and Asylees
The office funds three federal health programs provided to eligible clients in Maryland including Refugee Medical Assistance, Refugee Medical Screenings Health assessment program and Refugee Health Promotion Program.
Food and Housing Help Can Support Your Health
Your health is affected by more than medical care.
Having enough food and a safe place to live can make a big difference. If you are having trouble buying food, paying rent, finding a home, or paying your utility bills, help may be available.
If you are having trouble paying for food, finding housing, or keeping up with rent, there are Maryland programs that may be able to help. The resources below can connect you with food, housing, and other support in your community:
The Maryland Food Bank is a non-profit organization leading the movement to end hunger in Maryland. Through an extensive network of community and organizational partners, food is distributed across the state to the Marylanders who need it.
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
The department offers crisis and homeless resources, and the renters resources that help renters find housing, navigate rent challenges, and connect with supportive programs.
Help for Victims of Intimate Partner Violence and People Experiencing Abuse
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, sexual abuse, or human trafficking, you are not alone. Help and support are available in Maryland. The resources below can connect survivors and their families with support, information, and services.
Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence
The site offers support for victims of domestic violence or sexual abuse, or victims of trafficking.
Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault
The coalition provides support services to survivors of rape or sexual assault.
Health and Other Resources for Veterans
Veterans and their families can find support through local and state programs across Maryland. These resources can help connect veterans with services in their communities, including local veterans’ organizations, commissions, and support programs.
Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families
The department has identified local county resources for veterans and their families including local veterans’ commissions, work groups and councils which are designed to support constituents in specific regions of the State.
Additional Community Resources for Marylanders
You may need help with something that is not listed above. Other Maryland programs can help with insurance questions, jobs, aging, disabilities, caregiving, and more.
Maryland Insurance Administration
The administration provides support for insurance needs including auto, health, home and life insurance and more. The Health Coverage Assistance Team provides support to get answers to your health insurance questions, address health insurance problems or concerns, help you file a complaint about your health insurance or connect you to resources.
Maryland Department of Labor: Professional Outplacement Assistance Center (POAC)
POAC provides assistance to individuals who are in the professional, executive, technical, managerial, and/or scientific occupations and operates in a facility that features a computer lab, a variety of written publications and resource materials, individualized career guidance and free copying services.
The department provides a variety of services to older adults in Maryland.
The site provides information and referrals on available financial, health, and support services for older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers in Maryland.
You Do Not Have to Find Help Alone
Not having health insurance can make it hard to know where to turn. But help is available.
If you need health care, help paying a medical bill, mental health support, food, housing, or another service, start with 211 Maryland. A trained specialist can help you find resources in your community.
You can also contact your local health department or ask a hospital, clinic, or community organization about programs that may be available to you.
Share this page with a friend, family member, neighbor, or community member who may need help.
Everyone needs a helping hand sometimes. Maryland has resources to help you and your family find the care and support you need.
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