Health Insurance Carriers in Maryland
A comprehensive directory of insurance carriers serving Maryland residents, including commercial plans, marketplace options, government programs, and behavioral health information.
Maryland's health insurance landscape includes a mix of commercial carriers, a state-based marketplace (Maryland Health Connection), Medicaid managed care organizations, Medicare options, and federal programs like TRICARE. Understanding which carriers operate in Maryland and how to contact them can help you verify your benefits and access mental health services.
This directory provides contact information, member portals, and behavioral health details for major carriers serving Maryland residents. Always verify your specific coverage directly with your insurance carrier, as plan details vary by employer, plan type, and coverage year.
Information Currency
Information current as of December 2025. Insurance carrier participation, contact information, and behavioral health arrangements change frequently. Always verify details directly with your carrier before scheduling care. Use the Member Services number on the back of your insurance card for the most accurate, plan-specific information.
Commercial Insurance Carriers
Major insurance companies offering employer-sponsored and individual plans in Maryland
About: CareFirst is the dominant commercial carrier in Maryland, with approximately 75% market share. It is a not-for-profit, independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association serving Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia.
Maryland Presence: Largest participant in Maryland Health Connection marketplace, major employer plan provider, and offers Medicaid (CareFirst Community Health Plan Maryland) and Medicare Advantage plans.
Member Services Contact:
- • General Member Services: (888) 789-9065 or (800) 535-9700
- • Federal Employee Program (FEP): (800) 245-7013
- • Behavioral Health Line: (800) 245-7013
- • Provider Services: (800) 730-8543
Member Portal & Website:
- • member.carefirst.com (benefits, claims, digital ID cards)
- • carefirst.com (main website)
Behavioral Health Note:
CareFirst manages most behavioral health services internally. Some specific products may use Carelon Behavioral Health as a carve-out. Verify with your specific plan.
About: UnitedHealthcare is a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group and one of the largest national health insurers. Offers employer plans, individual marketplace plans, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid (UnitedHealthcare Community Plan).
Important 2025 Update: Johns Hopkins Medicine Network Termination
Effective August 25, 2025, UnitedHealthcare's contract with Johns Hopkins Medicine terminated. Johns Hopkins hospitals, physicians, and facilities are now out-of-network for all UHC products (commercial, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid). If you have UHC coverage and need specialized care, verify in-network alternatives before scheduling appointments.
Member Services Contact:
- • Member Services: Number on back of card or (866) 801-4409
- • Behavioral Health (Optum): (800) 318-8821
- • Medicaid Member Services: (800) 318-8821
Member Portal & Website:
- • myuhc.com (member portal)
- • uhc.com/communityplan/maryland (Medicaid members)
Behavioral Health Management:
Optum Behavioral Health (a UnitedHealth Group subsidiary) manages behavioral health services for most UHC plans. Use the behavioral health line above for authorization and network questions.
About: Aetna is a subsidiary of CVS Health, offering commercial employer plans, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid (Aetna Better Health of Maryland). Strong presence in large employer market.
2026 Marketplace Exit
Aetna is withdrawing from Maryland's individual ACA marketplace effective January 1, 2026. This does NOT affect employer-sponsored group plans or Medicaid. 2025 marketplace coverage remains active.
Member Services Contact:
- • Commercial Member Services: (800) 282-2881 (1-800-US-AETNA)
- • Behavioral Health: (800) 353-1232
- • Medicaid Provider Line: (866) 827-2710
Member Portal & Website:
- • aetna.com (member portal access)
- • aetnabetterhealth.com/maryland (Medicaid members)
Behavioral Health Note:
Aetna manages behavioral health services through its Aetna Behavioral Health division (internal). Use the dedicated behavioral health line for mental health questions.
About: Cigna Healthcare (part of The Cigna Group) is a major national carrier focusing on commercial employer groups and Medicare Advantage. Does NOT participate in Maryland Health Connection marketplace or Maryland Medicaid HealthChoice.
Member Services Contact:
- • Member Services: (800) 244-6224 (24/7)
- • Behavioral Health: (800) 926-2273
Member Portal & Website:
- • cigna.com (myCigna member portal)
Behavioral Health Management:
Evernorth Behavioral Health (a Cigna subsidiary) manages mental health services for Cigna plans. Most outpatient therapy requires prior authorization after initial sessions.
About: Kaiser Permanente operates as an integrated delivery system (insurance + care delivery) in Maryland, DC, and Virginia. Members must generally use Kaiser providers and facilities (closed network HMO model).
Maryland Presence: Medical centers in Capitol Hill, Largo, Silver Spring, Tysons Corner. Expanding into Southern Maryland. Participates in Maryland Health Connection marketplace and Maryland Medicaid HealthChoice.
Member Services Contact:
- • Member Services: (800) 777-7902
- • Behavioral Health: (866) 530-8778
- • Medicaid Member Services: (855) 249-5019
Member Portal & Website:
- • healthy.kaiserpermanente.org (select MD/DC/VA region)
Behavioral Health Note:
Internal network only. Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group provides all behavioral health services internally. Private practice therapists generally cannot treat Kaiser members except for out-of-network emergency mental health care.
About: Johns Hopkins EHP is a division of Johns Hopkins HealthCare LLC, providing self-funded administration services with direct access to Johns Hopkins Medicine network.
Member Services Contact:
- • Member Services: (888) 895-9983
- • Behavioral Health: (877) 293-9355
Behavioral Health Note:
Behavioral health managed through third-party vendor (historically ValueOptions/Beacon). Verify current vendor with Member Services. Strong integration with Hopkins psychiatry departments. May require authorization for ongoing therapy.
Maryland Health Connection (ACA Marketplace)
Maryland's state-based health insurance marketplace for individual and family plans
Maryland Health Connection is the state-based marketplace where Maryland residents can shop for and enroll in Qualified Health Plans (QHPs). All marketplace plans include mental health and substance use disorder services as Essential Health Benefits.
2025 Marketplace Carriers
The following carriers offer individual and family plans on Maryland Health Connection for 2025:
- • CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (statewide)
- • UnitedHealthcare (statewide)
- • Kaiser Permanente (select counties)
- • Aetna (2025 only - exiting marketplace in 2026)
- • Wellpoint (24 counties - new for 2025)
How to Get Help
- • Website: marylandhealthconnection.gov
- • Consumer Assistance: (855) 642-8572
- • Open Enrollment: Typically November 1 - January 15 each year (special enrollment periods available for qualifying life events)
Find Marketplace Plan Details
Before choosing a marketplace plan, check the carrier's behavioral health network to ensure mental health providers are available in your area. Use the carrier's provider directory (listed above) to search for therapists, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals.
Government Programs
Maryland Medicaid, Medicare, and TRICARE information
Maryland Medicaid (HealthChoice)
Maryland Medicaid operates through a managed care system called HealthChoice. Beneficiaries choose a Managed Care Organization (MCO) that coordinates their care. However, specialty mental health services (therapy, psychiatric care) are "carved out" and managed separately by a statewide Administrative Services Organization (ASO).
2025 Medicaid Behavioral Health Transition
Critical Change: Effective January 1, 2025, Maryland Medicaid's specialty behavioral health ASO transitioned from Optum Maryland to Carelon Behavioral Health.
- • For therapy/psychiatric services: Bill Carelon, NOT your patient's MCO
- • Carelon contact: (800) 888-1965
- • Provider portal: maryland.carelonbh.com
Maryland Medicaid MCOs (for physical health coordination)
These MCOs manage physical health, pharmacy, and primary mental health. For specialty mental health (therapy), contact Carelon.
- • Aetna Better Health of Maryland: (866) 827-2710
- • CareFirst Community Health Plan Maryland: (800) 730-8530
- • Kaiser Permanente: (855) 249-5019
- • UnitedHealthcare Community Plan: (800) 318-8821
- • Wellpoint Maryland: (833) 707-0867
- • Maryland Physicians Care (MPC): (800) 553-0513
- • MedStar Family Choice: (800) 905-1722
- • Johns Hopkins Priority Partners: (800) 654-9728
Medicare in Maryland
Maryland residents with Medicare can choose between Traditional Medicare (Parts A & B) or Medicare Advantage plans offered by private insurers.
Traditional Medicare (Parts A & B)
- • Claims Processor: Novitas Solutions (Medicare Administrative Contractor for Maryland)
- • Provider Line: (855) 247-4685
- • Website: novitas-solutions.com
Medicare Advantage Plans in Maryland
Major carriers offering Medicare Advantage in Maryland include:
- • Humana: (800) 486-2620
- • UnitedHealthcare (AARP): (800) 336-6965
- • Aetna Medicare: (800) 624-0756
- • CareFirst Medicare Advantage: (855) 258-6518
Behavioral health services for Medicare Advantage vary by plan. Check with your specific plan for mental health network and authorization requirements.
TRICARE (Military Health Insurance)
TRICARE provides health coverage for uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. Maryland is part of TRICARE East Region.
- • Contractor: Humana Military (TRICARE East)
- • Phone: (800) 444-5445
- • Website: humanamilitary.com
- • Behavioral Health Authorization: (877) 222-8387
Most outpatient mental health therapy does NOT require prior authorization under TRICARE. Verify specific requirements at the behavioral health authorization line.
Behavioral Health Carve-Outs
Understanding how mental health benefits are managed
Many insurance plans use behavioral health carve-outs, meaning mental health and substance use disorder benefits are administered by a specialized company separate from your main medical insurance. This affects where you verify benefits, find providers, and submit claims.
What Is a Carve-Out?
When your plan has a carve-out, your medical claims go to your primary insurer (e.g., Aetna, UnitedHealthcare), but your mental health claims are processed by a separate behavioral health company. You'll need to contact the behavioral health company—not your main insurer—to verify benefits, find therapists, request authorizations, and file appeals.
Common Behavioral Health Companies in Maryland
The following companies frequently manage behavioral health benefits for Maryland carriers:
- • Carelon Behavioral Health (formerly Beacon Health Options)
Manages: Maryland Medicaid specialty mental health (statewide ASO), CareFirst select products
Phone: (800) 888-1965 | Website: maryland.carelonbh.com - • Optum Behavioral Health (UnitedHealth Group subsidiary)
Manages: UnitedHealthcare commercial and Medicare Advantage plans
Phone: (800) 318-8821 | Website: liveandworkwell.com - • Evernorth Behavioral Health (Cigna subsidiary)
Manages: Cigna commercial plans
Phone: (800) 926-2273 | Website: evernorth.com - • Aetna Behavioral Health (internal division)
Manages: Aetna commercial plans
Phone: (800) 353-1232
How to Identify a Carve-Out
To know if your plan has a carve-out:
- 1. Check your insurance card for a separate "Behavioral Health" or "Mental Health" phone number
- 2. Call Member Services and ask: "Are my mental health benefits carved out to another company?"
- 3. Review your plan documents (Summary Plan Description) for behavioral health administrator information
If you have a carve-out, always use the behavioral health company's provider directory to find in-network therapists—not your main insurer's directory.
Quick Reference: Key Contacts
Essential phone numbers and websites at a glance
| Entity | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|
| CareFirst BCBS | (888) 789-9065 | member.carefirst.com |
| UnitedHealthcare | (866) 801-4409 | myuhc.com |
| Aetna | (800) 282-2881 | aetna.com |
| Cigna | (800) 244-6224 | cigna.com |
| Kaiser Permanente | (800) 777-7902 | kp.org |
| Carelon Behavioral Health (MD Medicaid ASO) | (800) 888-1965 | maryland.carelonbh.com |
| Maryland Health Connection | (855) 642-8572 | marylandhealthconnection.gov |
| Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) | (410) 468-2000 | insurance.maryland.gov |
| TRICARE East | (800) 444-5445 | humanamilitary.com |
This Is Educational Information Only
The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of any insurance carrier. Insurance participation, networks, benefits, and contact information change frequently. We do not include specific plan names, prices, or benefit details as these vary by employer, plan type, and coverage year.
Always verify directly with your carrier:
- • Use the Member Services number on your insurance card
- • Confirm provider network status before scheduling appointments
- • Verify behavioral health carve-out arrangements for mental health services
- • Check prior authorization requirements for therapy and psychiatric services
Need Help Verifying Your Benefits?
Understanding your insurance coverage can be complex. Visit our Verify Your Benefits page for a step-by-step guide on how to check your mental health coverage, or review our Mental Health Coverage Guide to learn about parity rights, carve-outs, and how to navigate your behavioral health benefits.