Maryland bill aims to help enroll uninsured in health plans

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — A Maryland measure that's the first of its kind could help people without health insurance find out if they qualify for free or low-cost insurance after they file their taxes.

Gov. Larry Hogan is scheduled to sign the bill Monday.

It will create a box for people to check on state income tax returns. If selected, the state's health care exchange will see if the person qualifies for low-cost insurance, based on information in their tax return.

Those who qualify for Medicaid will be enrolled automatically. The exchange will reach out to people who qualify for private coverage.

The Urban Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, has estimated that tax returns are filed by more than seven in 10 uninsured Marylanders, and many don't know they qualify for financial help.