In a significant legislative move, the Maryland Senate has passed a bill that could pave the way for individuals to purchase health insurance through the state's exchange, irrespective of immigration status. According to NBC Washington, the vote took place on Friday, ending with a tally of 34-13 in favor of the measure. Dubbed the "Access to Care Act," this legislation aims at reducing the burden of uncompensated care in hospitals and improving emergency room wait times by ensuring broader access to health insurance.
The Maryland House had previously passed a similar version of the bill, and now each chamber will need to approve the other's before it can land on Gov. Wes Moore's desk for his signature. As reported by Maryland Matters, the notably partisan vote reflects deep-seated divisions on the issue, with supporters celebrating the progress of what became one of the immigrant advocacy group CASA's main legislative priorities in the 2024 session.
The bill requires the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange to seek a federal waiver by July 1, 2025, to enable the implementation of this inclusive program—a step necessitated by federal laws that currently prohibit immigrants without permanent legal status from using the marketplace. If the waiver is granted, Maryland could see the program in effect as early as 2026. This measure is poised to follow in the footsteps of similar initiatives already approved in California and Washington state.
However, amid the excitement of the bill’s advocates, the practical feasibility of the targeted demographic remains a question. "I have been trying to get that answer all throughout the session…unfortunately, I haven't been able to find a specific data point to say 'X' number of individuals will be able to buy it," Ninfa Amador-Hernandez, a policy analyst for CASA told Maryland Matters in an interview. Although the bill does not offer subsidized or free health care, it is hoped that simplifying the insurance purchasing process will be a significant benefit to many.
Opposition voices, primarily from Republican senators, argue that the bill could serve as an incentive for undocumented immigrants to migrate to Maryland without concern for legal formalities. According to a floor statement obtained by Ground News, Minority Whip Justin Ready (R-Carroll and Frederick) pointed to a "surge of illegal immigration" exacerbated by policies such as these. Similarly, Sen. Johnny Mautz (R-Middle Shore) emphasized the perceived lack of incentive for assimilation or pursuit of citizenship provoked by the bill.
But proponents hold firm to the belief that wider insurance coverage will economically benefit Maryland by diminishing the costs of uncompensated care and relieve emergency room crowding. Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) considers the bill a "common sense" move, with the sentiment that “everyone benefits from more people having health insurance," and pushing for inclusivity in access to health plans, as reported by Maryland Matters.
