Connector Entity Grant Application

The Maryland Health Benefit Exchange is soliciting applications from qualified entities to serve as Connector organizations facilitating health insurance enrollment and outreach services under the Connector Entity Grant Application program for Fiscal Year 2027, with applications due January 30, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. through the EMMA electronic procurement portal. A letter of intent was due January 16, 2026, and the questions deadline was January 20, 2026.

Six connector entities will be selected to serve designated service regions: West, Capital North, South, Central, Lower Shore, and Upper Shore/Southern. Eligible applicants include community-based organizations, nonprofits, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and other entities meeting program requirements. FQHCs must accept all forms of insurance including Medicaid and demonstrate compliance with consumer choice, neutrality, and non-discrimination requirements. Organizations may apply independently as Prime Entities or propose partnerships. Applicants must have established partnerships in place at time of submission and are expected to expand partnerships throughout the contract term. No specific number of required partners is mandated.

Funded consumer assistance workers must dedicate 100% FTE to enrollment activities, transitioning from encounter-based compensation to enrollment-focused performance metrics. Applicants must submit separate applications for each region they intend to serve, with budgets prepared only for the initial base year. Salary caps apply to base salary only; fringe benefits are allowable as proportional charges. Stipends for student interns are not allowable costs. Staff may be cross-utilized across regions if roles, level of effort, and cost allocations are clearly defined.

The contract provides a one-year base award with one optional one-year renewal, extending potential term through June 30, 2028, with the initial period beginning July 1, 2026. Funding is allocated statewide and distributed among regions based on region size, enrollment value, demonstrated need, and applicant strength. Enrollment targets for FY27 include 13,347 new Qualified Health Plan enrollments for Montgomery County; new Medicaid and MCHP enrollments do not count toward targets but may be reported. Applications are submitted free through EMMA with all files for each region consolidated under one submission package. Amendment #1 clarifies submission procedures and reaffirms commitment to equitable selection.