What are value plans? 

Value plans are health plans that offer lower deductibles and useful coverage for more health care services before your deductible is met. Value plans are designed to lower your out-of-pocket costs for the health care services the majority of people use most frequently. 

How can I tell which plans are value plans?

All value plans include “Value” in the plan names you will see when shopping on Maryland Health Connection. 

What’s covered and how much does it cost?

All value plans include doctor and specialist visits, generic drugs, urgent care and more before you meet the deductible. Also, enrollees with diabetes pay $0 for many diabetes-related services, medications, and supplies. Insulin, test strips, and glucometers are free in value plans. 

When choosing a health insurance plan, it’s important to look at what costs you will be responsible for and what costs the insurance company will cover. All value plans are required to cover core benefits with a copay before you meet your deductible, and preventive services are free.

Understanding Value Plan costs

Diabetes care and value plans

Enrollees with diabetes pay $0 for many diabetes-related services, medications, and supplies. Insulin, test strips, and glucometers are free in value plans. Private plans on MHC, including Value Plans, are not required to cover continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). Check with your insurance company to find out if CGMs are covered.

In value plans, enrollees with diabetes pay $0 for certain diabetes-related services, including: 

• Primary care visits 
• Dilated retinal exam (1x per year)
• Diabetic foot exam (1x per year)
• Nutritional counseling visits 
• Lipid panel test (1x per year)
• Hemoglobin A1C (2x per year)
• Microalbumin urine test or nephrology visit (1x per year)
• Basic metabolic panel (1x per year)
• Liver function test (1x per year)
• A select list of diabetes supplies and medications. For 2024 value plans, all insurers are providing metformin, glipizide, pioglitazone, and at least one insulin for $0 and some insurers cover more diabetes medications at $0.

2024 Value Plans Side-by-Side

* Depending on your income, you may be eligible for extra savings when you enroll in a Silver plan. For a household of one, the deductible would be $0 if income is between $20,121 - $21,870; $1,000 if income is between $21,871 to $29,160; or $4,500 if income is between $29,161 - $36,450. For larger households, see what plans you are eligible for by providing your income information when you apply or get an estimate.

** For those who are eligible, some Silver plans cover additional services and medications before deductible is met. To find out if you are eligible, enter your income when you apply at MarylandHealthConnection.gov or get an estimate.