Health

We design our health plans with one thing in mind—you. Our plans give you the freedom to get the care you need, when and where you need it and include:

• The largest network of doctors in the region
• No referrals needed
• Ways to manage your health care expenses
• No charge for many benefits such as in-network adult physicals, well-child exams, immunizations, screenings and more.
• Focused support with our Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) program
• Free 24/7 medical advice line at 800-535-9700
• Virtual Care allows members to securely connect with a provider for urgent care services and behavioral health like therapy and psychiatry. To learn more, visit the CareFirst website.

To learn more, view or download the CareFirst State of Maryland Employee Benefit Options [PDF] and watch the Carefirst Brand Spot – You First video.

Watch the CareFirst State of Maryland 2024 video to learn more about your benefits.

CareFirst’s PPO

You have the freedom to choose your own doctor or specialist, every time you need care.

• Office visits are covered for minimal copay.
• Out-of-Area Coverage: You will receive one of the most widely recognized and accepted health care identification cards in the United States – BlueCard. So now, you can take your health care benefits with you – across the country and around the world. Visit the BlueCard website to get started.

CareFirst EPO

You drive your own health care decisions by enjoying many hassle-free benefits. Members selecting the EPO plan must select their providers from a national network and must stay in-network to receive coverage benefits.

• No out-of-network coverage.

Mental Health Services will be provided through CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield.

• In order to maximize benefits, members should seek services through a participating CareFirst PPO provider. Visit the CareFirst website.
• Inpatient treatment is covered at 100% of allowed benefit. Preauthorization is required through Magellan Health Services.
• Outpatient services are covered at 100% after a $15 copay.

• Adult Vision Care: Benefits for Members 19 Years and Older
• Pediatric Vision Care: Benefits for Members through Age 18

You have access to an expanded network of vision providers through Davis Vision* in addition to the BCBS PPO network. For more information, visit the CareFirst Vision Provider website.

CareFirst Wellbeing is a wellness program designed to help you live a healthier life, reach your wellness goals and earn rewards like $0 PCP copays and reduced specialist copays for completing healthy activities. You have from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2024, to complete the 2023 healthy activities.

Three rewards you can earn:

1. Free PCP visits
2. $5 reduction to your specialist copay-wellness screenings
3. $5 reduction to your specialist copay-vision exam

Wellness Discount Program

As CareFirst members, you will also receive access to our Wellness Discount Program, which provides you with discounts on alternative therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic services, yoga and much more. For more information visit the CareFirst website.

• Customer Service: Need Help? Phone and online services are available. Call 800-225-0131 for dedicated customer service.
• 24/7 Nurse Line: 800-535-9700 for advice anytime
• Virtual Care: See a doctor anytime by visiting the CareFirst website
• For more information visit the CareFirst State of MD website

Member Tools

CareFirst Find a Doctor website: Search to find if your provider is in the network or to find a provider.

CareFirst MyAccount website: Your place for customized plan information. If you haven’t registered for My Account, do so today.

We are committed to giving you access to a better health care experience. Learn more about how UnitedHealthcare can help give you the personalized care and solutions you and your family deserve.

• National network with over 1.7 million providers, including a broad local network with every hospital in Maryland
• A local 24/7 Customer Service team backed by 125,000 UnitedHealthcare employees nationwide
• Easier ways to get care through 24/7 Virtual Visits, 24-hour nurse, virtual primary and specialist care and more
• Digital tools, such as myuhc.com® and the UnitedHealthcare® app, that help you easily estimate medical costs, find network doctors, review claims and manage your health
• Preventive services covered at 100% when you stay in network**
• Diagnostic breast and lung cancer screenings paid at 100% of allowed amount
• No referrals needed to see specialists
• Confidential behavioral health support through virtual visits, in-person appointments or digital tools
• Wellness programs including new One Pass Select^TM fitness membership program

*As of July 2023

** Certain preventive care items and services, including immunizations, are provided as specified by applicable law, including the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), with no cost-sharing to you. These services may be based on your age and other health factors. Other routine services may be covered under your plan, and some plans may require copayments, coinsurance or deductibles for these benefits. Always review your benefit plan documents to determine your specific coverage details.

No matter which UnitedHealthcare plan you choose, you’ll have access to our local network that includes every hospital in Maryland plus our broad national network (of more than 1.7 million physicians and health care professionals).

You will also have:

• Single toll-free number for all medical and mental health benefits
• Access to over 156,000 vision provider access* points nationwide (including Warby Parker and USA Glasses)
• Visits with specialists without needing a referral
• Mental health and substance use benefits including virtual visits, in-person appointments, family support and digital tools
• Ability to see a doctor anytime with a 24/7 Virtual Visit, or call your doctor using telemedicine (if available)
• Virtual primary and specialist care through myuhc.com or the UnitedHealthcare^® app

For more information, view or download:

• UnitedHealthcare’s 2024 State of Maryland enrollment brochure
• UnitedHealthcare’s 2024 State of Maryland Spanish enrollment brochure
• Vision Plan overview [PDF]
• 24/7 Virtual Visits overview [PDF]
• Virtual primary care overview [PDF]
• Virtual specialists care overview [PDF]

*As of July 2023

Our vision benefits are designed to meet your lifestyle, eye care and eyewear needs.

• Broad vision network: The plan uses UnitedHealthcare Vision Network (formerly Spectera Vision Network), a national network of eye doctors.
• Eye exams: Your vision benefits include a routine annual eye exam.
• Contact lens allowance: You may have coverage for a fitting and follow-up visits depending on your plan design and lens choice.
• Lens options: Popular lens options, like UV protection or anti-reflective coating, are available at price-protected amounts. 
• Additional pairs of glasses: Receive a 20% discount on additional pairs of eyeglasses, including prescription sunglasses.
• New for 2024! ExpressExam: UnitedHealthcare Vision members can renew eyewear prescriptions virtually with ExpressExam at no additional cost.  Learn more by viewing the ExpressExam flier [PDF]
• Hearing aid discounts: You can get preferred pricing on custom-programmed hearing aids through UnitedHealthcare Hearing. Learn more by viewing the Hearing Discount flier [PDF]

Read the Vision Plan overview [PDF] to learn more about the vision benefit. Or go to myuhcvision.com to learn about specific benefits and coverage amounts or to find a network vision provider near you.

The State of Maryland is continuing its Wellness Plan in 2024. Please note that 2024 is a rollover year, so activities completed in 2023 will carry over for 2024. Participating in this plan can help you save money on your health care with $0 copays on PCP and behavioral health office visits and 24/7 Virtual Visits, plus a reduction in specialist visit copays. UnitedHealthcare offers tools to help make it easier to complete the wellness activities and track your health care. Watch the “Health and Wellness Program Highlights” video to learn more.

New! One Pass Select^TM

Discover a subscription well-being program that offers flexible fitness options and the ability to use thousands of gyms nationwide plus digital fitness classes.  You can also get a grocery delivery subscription included with your subscription. View or download the OnePass Select flier [PDF].

Rally^®

Get moving more, eating better and feeling great with Rally, a health and wellness website and app. View or download the Rally member journey [PDF].

Wellness Coaching

Work toward your health goals at your own pace with the State’s Make the Call, Take the Call program. Get started today.

Real Appeal^®

Join a weight loss program with live online coaching, interactive videos, digital tools and a success kit shipped to your door to help you make small behavior changes. View or download the Real Appeal overview [PDF].

Quit for Life^®

Enroll for support from a Quit Coach^® who can help you create a realistic plan to quit tobacco, overcome cravings and stay motivated. You may qualify for complimentary nicotine replacement therapy. View or download the Quit for Life overview [PDF].

Disease and Case Management programs

If you need help managing a specific chronic condition, or if you need long-term support after a hospitalization or a catastrophic health event, we have nurses who can help. Our condition management programs offer personalized support with digital applications and messaging for a more integrated relationship with your nurse.

Maternity Support

Throughout your pregnancy, access resources to answer your questions and support you during your pregnancy and after delivery. Start by taking a maternity support assessment, which only takes minutes to complete. Based on your responses, a maternity nurse may reach out to you and connect you with the care you need, answer your questions and support you every step of the way. View or download the maternity support overview [PDF].

UnitedHealthcare provides benefits to help you feel more in control of your emotional well‐being. Your Mental Health benefit can help you effectively deal with stressful and challenging situations. View or download the mental health benefits overview [PDF]. Visit the Live and Work Well website and use access code “UHC” to learn more.

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Self Care by AbleTo

Get access to self-care techniques, coping tools, meditations, and more—anytime, anywhere using the Self Care by AbleTo app. You’ll find personalized content designed to help boost your mood, shift your perspectives with the goal of helping you feel better. View or download the Self Care overview [PDF].

Talkspace

Regularly communicate with a licensed therapist via text or live video, safely and securely from your phone or desktop. View or download the Talkspace overview [PDF].

Behavioral Health Virtual Visits

Behavioral virtual visits let you talk to a behavioral health professional from your mobile device, tablet or computer. View or download the Behavioral Health Virtual Care overview [PDF].

Behavioral Health in-person visits

Get personal support with a psychiatrist or therapist for a specific diagnosis. Substance use treatment benefits also fall under this category.

Family Support Program

Get tailored education, support, referrals, and provider/specialist searches to help you make educated, confident decisions for your child and family.

• Learn more about the benefits and services included in our plans by visiting the State of Maryland employees and retirees website or by calling 1-800-382-7513. You can also learn more at uhcvirtual.com/stateofmd, where you can virtually walk through booths to learn about your health plan’s options.
• Discover vision benefits available through the UnitedHealthcare Vision website.
• Find information on behavioral health support and search for a provider on the Live and Work Well website and use access code “UHC” to learn more.
• Watch the UnitedHealth Premium^® Program video.
• Watch “Digital Tools to Manage Your Plan” video.
• Visit the myuhc.com^® website or download the UnitedHealthcare^® app to manage your plan on the App Store^® or Google Play™.

A healthy partnership

At Kaiser Permanente, your doctor is your biggest advocate for your health — one who makes sure you get the care you need. You can choose from a wide range of doctors and change anytime. Discover more about our doctors and specialties on the Kaiser Permanente website.

Great care, great results

Get the care you need to help you get and stay healthy. Whether it’s time for a preventive screening or you need care for a serious condition, we’ve got you covered. And it’s all backed by advanced medical technology and research. See why Kaiser Permanente is the region’s leading health system on the Kaiser Permanente website.

Care the way you want it

Choose how, when, and where you get care. You can manage your care online, by phone, at our facilities, and more. You also have access to health advice 24/7, and you can email your doctor’s office at any time with non-urgent questions. Learn more on the Kaiser Permanente website.

When you’re away from home, you’re covered, too. Find out more about seeking care when traveling. Take a look at Kaiser Permanente website.

• To learn more about the benefits available to State of Maryland employees take a look at this enrollment presentation or watch the enrollment presentation video.
• Watch our Member Experience video.
• To learn more about the benefits available with Kaiser Permanente, view or download the State of Maryland benefits flyer [PDF English, PDF Español] or the Kaiser Permanente OE virtual brochure [PDF in English, PDF Español].

From preventive screenings that keep you healthy to customized care if you get sick, we’ve got you covered.

• Preventive care to keep you healthy: Preventive care is key to how we practice medicine. It can help you avoid some health issues and catch others before they become serious.
• Specialty care when you need it: We’re also here for you if you get sick or need specialty care. We can conveniently connect you to the right specialist. And you don’t need referrals for certain specialties like obstetrics-gynecology, psychiatry, and drug dependency services.
• Support for ongoing conditions: If you have a condition like diabetes or heart disease, you’re automatically enrolled in a disease management program for personal coaching and support.
• A leader in providing quality care: Kaiser Permanente leads the nation in the care provided to our members. Learn more about our award-winning care on the Kaiser Permanente website.

Choose how to get care

• Video: Want a convenient, secure way to see a doctor wherever you are? Meet face-to-face with a doctor 24/7, no appointment necessary. To learn more, watch the videos on the Kaiser Permanente website.
  • Note: This visit is not with your primary care doctor but will be with the next available on-demand clinician. ​Learn more about on-demand care.
• Phone: Have a condition that doesn’t require an in-person exam? We offer care guidance and advice by phone 24/7.
• In person: Visit your doctor for routine care, preventive services, care when you’re not feeling well and more.

Other ways to get care in the moment

• E-visit (new): Fill out a short online questionnaire about your symptoms and get personalized self-care advice from a Kaiser Permanente provider.
• 24/7 care and advice by phone: Call us for advice when you need it most. We’ll help you find what care is right for you, schedule appointments and more.
• Email: Email your doctor’s office anytime with non-urgent questions. You’ll usually get a response within two business days, if not sooner.
• App: Download the Kaiser Permanente app on the App Store^® or Google Play™, to manage routine appointments, refill most prescriptions for mail-order delivery, see most test results and more. As a member, you can keep up with your care on the Kaiser Permanente website.

Good health goes beyond the doctor’s office. Explore some of the convenient resources available to members.

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Special rates for members

Enjoy reduced rates on services that can help you stay healthy like gym memberships, acupuncture, massage therapy and chiropractic care. To learn more, visit the Kaiser Permanente website.

Self-care apps

Navigate mental and emotional challenges and help improve your sleep, mood, relationships and more with wellness apps, available at no cost to adult members. To learn more, visit the Kaiser Permanente website.

Healthy lifestyle programs

Connect to better health with online programs to help you lose weight, quit smoking, reduce stress and more – all at no cost. To learn more, visit the Kaiser Permanente website.

Personal wellness coaching

Get help reaching your health goals. Work on-on-one with a wellness coach by phone at no cost. To learn more, visit the Kaiser Permanente website.

Online wellness tools

For wellness information, health calculators, fitness videos, podcasts and recipes from world-class chefs, visit the Kaiser Permanente website.

Health classes

Sign up for health classes and support groups at many of our facilities. See what’s available near you at Kaiser Permanente website – some may require a fee.

Our mental health team is passionate about helping people.

They include:

• Adult psychiatrists
• Child and adolescent psychiatrists
• Addiction medicine physicians
• Psychologists
• Licensed clinical social workers
• Psychiatric clinical nurses
• Substance abuse counselors
• Health educators

Learn more about the mental health care available to our members on the Kaiser Permanente website.

• Learn more about Kaiser Permanente on the Kaiser Permanente website
• Learn about the virtual care options available on the Kaiser Permanente website
• Learn about our specialty care available on the Kaiser Permanente website
• Watch the Dr. Akoto Diabetes Care video
• Watch the Member Shayla Nimmons video
• Watch the Member John Ryder video