Before subsidies, the average benchmark silver plan for a 40-year-old in Maryland costs $491 a month for 2027 (the national average is $704). Premium tax credits bring that down for many households, depending on income and family size.
If you want someone to shop the Maryland market for you, a broker is the usual route. The 12 offices below sit closest to Friendship Heights Village and list themselves as brokers or independent agencies, which typically means access to more than one insurer.
Health Insurance Brokers near Friendship Heights Village
Licensed agents can compare plans available in Montgomery County, check your doctors and estimate your premium tax credit. Free to you.
Call 866-645-8540What a broker can compare for you
Premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums; which doctors and hospitals are in each network; whether your prescriptions are covered; and whether you qualify for a premium tax credit.
Broker or agent: what's the difference?
A captive agent sells one company's plans. An independent agent or broker is appointed with several insurers and can compare them. In everyday use the words overlap, so ask any office which carriers it can quote in Maryland.
Do brokers cost more?
No. Health insurers pay brokers a commission that's already part of the premium. You pay the same price for a plan whether you buy it yourself or through a broker.
Carriers a Friendship Heights Village broker can quote
For 2027, marketplace plans in Maryland come from 4 insurers: CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (BlueChoice + GHMSI/CFMI), Kaiser Permanente, UnitedHealthcare (Optimum Choice) and Wellpoint Maryland. Not every insurer sells in every county. An independent broker appointed with several of them can compare prices and networks side by side.
A quick checklist
- Have a realistic estimate of next year's household income; subsidies are based on it.
- Make a list of your doctors, hospitals and prescriptions before you call anyone.
- Write down the enrollment deadline and confirm your first premium payment.
- Check that the agent's license is active with the state regulator.
Checking an agent's license in Maryland
- The Maryland Insurance Administration offers its own Producer (Agent/Broker) or Producer Firm Search within its Company and Producer Search tool. It covers producers and firms currently or previously licensed in Maryland. Source
- The Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) licenses insurance producers and regulates health insurers in the state. Consumers can file complaints with the MIA about health insurers and about agents and brokers. Source
Frequently asked questions
Can a broker help me get a subsidy?
Yes. Brokers certified with the marketplace can estimate your premium tax credit and enroll you in a subsidized plan.
When can I buy a plan?
During open enrollment (Nov 1 to January 15 on the Maryland Health Connection), or within 60 days of a qualifying life event such as losing other coverage, moving, marriage or a new baby.
How do I find a good health insurance broker in Friendship Heights Village?
Look for a broker licensed in Maryland who can quote several carriers, is certified with the Maryland Health Connection, and has reviews from local clients. You can verify any license with the Maryland insurance regulator.
Brokers in nearby cities
- Bethesda, MD 2 miles
- Chevy Chase, MD 2 miles
- South Kensington, MD 4 miles
- Forest Glen, MD 5 miles
- Silver Spring, MD 5 miles
- Takoma Park, MD 5 miles
- North Kensington, MD 5 miles
- North Bethesda, MD 5 miles
- McLean, VA 6 miles
- Arlington, VA 6 miles