Maryland
State gears up for open enrollment for Md. health insurance exchange | Maryland Daily Record
![State gears up for open enrollment for Md. health insurance exchange | Maryland Daily Record State gears up for open enrollment for Md. health insurance exchange | Maryland Daily Record](https://thedailyrecord.com/files/2022/10/Enrollment-pic.jpg)
A staffer explains protection choices accessible on the Maryland Well being Profit Alternate to a resident of Prince George’s County in 2019. (Maryland Well being Profit Alternate)
The Maryland Well being Profit Alternate is making it simpler for folks to see which plans will value them the least because the change on Nov. 1 opens its annual open enrollment interval.
Open enrollment will run till Jan. 15, with federal and state funds to cut back medical insurance prices for some who don’t have entry to reasonably priced employer-provided protection or who don’t qualify for Medicaid or Medicare.
In March, Gov. Larry Hogan introduced {that a} document 182,861 folks had enrolled by means of the 2022 open enrollment interval, which was prolonged as a result of pandemic.
Michele Eberle, government director of the Maryland Well being Profit Alternate, mentioned that document excessive was attributable to quite a few elements, however particularly as a result of Maryland’s choices had been a number of the most reasonably priced plans within the nation. The state estimates there are nonetheless 300,000 folks in Maryland who want insurance coverage, so she hopes to reenroll many and attain extra.
“We attempt to make it as straightforward as doable for folks to determine what’s accessible to them,” Eberle mentioned.
Premiums are up this yr, however with Maryland’s reinsurance program and younger grownup subsidy, in addition to federal expanded tax credit for one more three years, charges are nonetheless low, she mentioned.
As an example, a 28-year-old Baltimore metropolis resident making about $32,000 a yr might be insured for about $20-a-month premium value. That resident could be eligible for a $17 month-to-month premium with a gold plan to maintain out-of-pocket prices low, she mentioned.
Folks have to make choices by Dec. 31 so as to make modifications or enroll for a plan that begins Jan. 1.
On the change’s web site, marylandhealthconnection.gov, residents can enter fundamental particulars into the “Get an Estimate” software and be offered with the general lowest-cost plan. In previous years, folks typically selected plans based mostly on the bottom premiums.
This yr, the web site will assist folks weigh the worth of a cost-sharing discount if they’re eligible. The price-sharing discount is accessible by means of the federal Reasonably priced Care Act to cut back out-of-pocket prices for eligible enrollees who choose silver degree plans within the market.
“It’s significantly better protection at a decrease value,” Eberle mentioned.
She mentioned two pockets of Maryland’s inhabitants might be particularly helped by acquiring protection by means of the change: younger adults ages 18-35 and folks 55-65 who’re self-employed or have retired early however aren’t but eligible for Medicare.
This yr, extra folks could also be eligible to take part within the change. To be eligible, folks can’t have already got entry to reasonably priced medical insurance. Beneath a brand new rule from the Inner Income Service, the definition of reasonably priced employer protection has been modified to think about if it’s reasonably priced for the entire household — if the worth of protection for the whole family exceeds 9.12% of the family earnings, versus the worth of simply a person’s protection exceeding 9.12%.
There are additionally a number of particular enrollment durations all year long to succeed in individuals who miss out on open enrollment. This consists of individuals who uncover they’re eligible for the change as they file their taxes and examine a field for simple enrollment on their state tax return.
And efficient July 1, 2022, Marylanders with incomes lower than 150% of the federal poverty degree ($20,385 for a person, $41,625 for a household of 4) are in a position to enroll in a well being plan by means of Maryland Well being Connection year-round no matter enrollment durations, so long as Congress continues enhanced tax credit for this inhabitants.
There is no such thing as a longer a cap on the whole family earnings quantity to obtain tax credit, so persons are eligible for credit if their well being care prices exceed 8.5% of complete family earnings.
Beforehand, these credit weren’t provided to individuals who earned greater than 400% of the federal poverty degree.
Those that are younger typically don’t really feel they want insurance coverage, however Eberle is urging these folks to think about it for unplanned medical emergencies, in addition to the flexibility to get vaccines and preventive assessments lined.
“We hope that folks newly insured have now discovered the worth in having that insurance coverage, and so though their scenario might have modified that they are going to need to proceed to have that protection,” Eberle mentioned.
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Maryland
University System of Maryland to only allow university-sponsored events on October 7
![University System of Maryland to only allow university-sponsored events on October 7 University System of Maryland to only allow university-sponsored events on October 7](https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/937564c/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5312x2789+0+100/resize/1200x630!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fewscripps-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F16%2F61%2F70999d9446deb2038878edb3108f%2Fumd-administration-building-2015-1.jpg)
University of Maryland President William Pines announced this weekend that only university-sponsored activities “that promote reflection” will be held on October 7th.
The day will mark one year since Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel killed around 1,200 people and took around 250 hostages. Israel retaliated, declaring war on Hamas, which has resulted in more than 40,000 people dead, according to Gaza health officials.
This came after the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) group had reserved the McKeldin Mall and Jewish organizations on campus had reserved Hornbake Plaza on October 7th to mark the day.
The announcement cancels both of these events.
“Jointly, out of an abundance of caution,” wrote Pines in an email to the campus community, “we concluded to host only university-sponsored events that promote reflection on this day. All other expressive events will be held prior to October 7, and then resume on October 8 in accordance with time, place and manner considerations of the First Amendment.”
This policy is in place for all University System of Maryland Schools.
“The intent is not to abridge students’ right to free expression; the intent is, instead, to be sensitive to the needs of our students. Our university communities may use this day to safely come together to reflect and to share, to learn and to listen, and, yes, to challenge one another. That’s the premise—and the promise—of higher education.”
-University System of Maryland Statement
SJP wrote in a statement on its Instagram account: “We as Students for Justice in Palestine are deeply angered, though not surprised, by the University of Maryland administration’s decision to cancel our reservation for a vigil at McKeldin Mall on October 7th.”
It continues, “Rest assured that we will find ways to mark this one year of genocide and one year of resistance.”
University of Maryland students worried about antisemitism on campus
The Jewish Student Union also posted a statement to its Instagram account.
“We are reassured to learn that Students for Justice in Palestine at the University of Maryland will no longer be permitted to host their event on McKeldin Mall, or anywhere on campus, on October 7th,” the organization writes.
“Only university-sponsored events will occur on October 7th,” they continued. “While this is not an ideal situation, it ensures that our physical and psychological safety is protected on this day of grief.”
In the email from Pines, he noted that a safety assessment had been done and that there was “no immediate or active threat.”
The Jewish Student Union added that they would be holding an event to memorialize the day at Maryland Hillel, a center for Jewish life and students, which is located just off campus.
The UMD Chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace also released a statement standing with SJP “in their anger with the university admin’s decision to cancel our registration to hold a joint vigil on October 7th.”
The email from Pines added that “we encourage our entire community to mark the anniversary of October 7 with remembrance and reflection.”
At the moment, it’s unclear what university-sponsored events will take place on October 7th, at the College Park campus.
Maryland
Best Online Colleges In Maryland Of 2024
![Best Online Colleges In Maryland Of 2024 Best Online Colleges In Maryland Of 2024](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Maryland-1.jpg)
Pro Tip
Ensure that your prospective college offers globally recognized credentials if you plan to further your education or practice internationally.
Consider Your Future Goals
Considering your goals when choosing an online college helps you select a program that fits your current needs and prepares you for long-term success.
If you intend to work right after graduation, choose a program that aligns with your desired career path. Look for concentrations or specialized tracks that can provide in-depth knowledge in your field.
However, if you plan to pursue further education such as a master’s or doctoral degree, ensure that credits from your online college are transferable to other schools. Also ensure that the college’s credentials are globally recognized, if you intend to work or study abroad.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
Online colleges in Maryland (particularly private institutions), can be quite expensive, compared to other online schools. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average undergraduate tuition and required fees for four-year public schools is $9,750 per year; meanwhile, enrollees in four-year private colleges may pay north of $38,000 per year.
If private university tuition is out of your budget, consider enrolling in a state-owned online school such as the University of Maryland Global Campus, which only requires about $8,000 in annual tuition and fees.
Aside from seeking affordable online programs, here are other ways to fund your college education:
- Complete the FAFSA®
- Apply for institutional scholarships
- Take a private student loan
- Enroll in a work-study program
- Ask your employer about a tuition reimbursement program
Maryland
Maryland voters weigh in on presidential election, governor’s approval in new Gonzales Poll
![Maryland voters weigh in on presidential election, governor’s approval in new Gonzales Poll Maryland voters weigh in on presidential election, governor’s approval in new Gonzales Poll](https://assets2.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2024/09/03/38829637-9a7e-4385-b9c4-1dab1e5eb53d/thumbnail/1200x630/828b5ff2405662f3f8e86587e46507f2/maryland.jpg?v=25685eaa472b1a5dbb5bd46ae506d232)
BALTIMORE – With a little more than two months until election day, the majority of Marylanders surveyed in the new Gonzales Poll would vote for Vice President Kamala Harris over Donald Trump for president.
A total of 820 registered voters in Maryland who indicated they are likely to vote in the 2024 general election were queried for the poll by live telephone interviews, utilizing both landline and cellphone numbers between August 24 and August 30.
A cross-section of interviews was conducted throughout the state, reflecting Maryland’s general election voting patterns, the pollster said.
The Gonzales Poll stated that “the margin of error, per accepted statistical standards, is a range of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points and if the entire population was surveyed, there is a 95% probability that the true numbers would fall within this range.”
Presidential survey
According to the latest Gonzales Poll, 56% of Marylanders surveyed said they would vote for Harris over Trump for president.
The poll says 84% of Democrats support the Harris/Tim Walz ticket and 80% of Republicans support the Trump/JD Vance ticket. Also, 83% of Black voters polled would vote for Harris/Walz.
Among the independents, 38% favor Harris/Walz and 36% prefer Trump/Vance, according to the poll.
Gov. Moore’s approval gets a bump
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, who led the state’s response to the deadly Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in March, has the approval of 64% of Marylanders surveyed. Moore has a 35% “mostly soft approval” among Republicans who were surveyed (7% strongly approve, 28% somewhat approve),” the poll shows.
His approval rating increased by 33% since the last Gonzales Poll in the winter.
Last month, the governor spoke at the Democratic National Convention in support of Harris, who was nominated as the party’s presidential candidate.
He framed Harris’ candidacy as “the story of a prosecutor who defended our freedoms and had Maryland’s back when we needed it most. And now MVP: We’ve got yours.”
President Biden’s approval
The Gonzales Poll shows that 53% of Maryland voters surveyed approve of the job President Joe Biden is doing, while 45% disapprove. Seventy-six percent of the Democrats believe Biden is doing a good job in office, and 84% of Republicans disagree.
State transportation and juvenile reform
According to the poll, 95% of Marylanders think it is “important for the State to invest in improving its transportation infrastructure.”
And, when it comes to juvenile crime, voters were asked, “What type of laws, in your opinion, ultimately better help our children under 18 who commit crimes – Laws that are strict, which include things such as juvenile detention and boot camps. This hold individuals responsible and accountable for their behavior; or Laws that are lenient, which include social programs and counseling. This recognizes that society is responsible for much of this behavior?”
The poll shows that 58% of Marylanders are in favor of strict laws, which holds juveniles responsible and accountable for their behavior, and only 34% desire laws that are lenient.
“A majority of nearly every demographic group backs strict laws to inspire a sense of personal responsibility and to best assist our juvenile offenders ultimately realize at least a chance at a successful, happy life,” the poll said.
Is the country going in the right direction?
Fifty percent of Marylanders polled say the country is headed in the right direction, while 45% say the country is headed in the wrong direction.
According to the poll, 93% of Maryland voters who think the country is moving in the right direction are voting for Harris/Walz, and 70% of Maryland voters who think the country is moving in the wrong direction are voting for Trump/Vance.
In the previous poll, 41% of voters said the country was headed in the right direction.
“The mood of voters in Maryland vis-à-vis how they perceive things overall going in the country is a tad less grumpy than it was in winter,” the Gonzales Poll said.
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