Maryland's Independent Insurance Broker for Medicare, Health, and Group Benefits

Insurance decisions are complicated enough without having to sort through them alone. IBNRG serves Maryland residents across the state — from the Baltimore suburbs to the Eastern Shore — as an independent broker with no carrier contracts, no sales quotas, and no cost to you. Mike translates the fine print into plain language so you can make a confident choice.

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Medicare in Maryland: What You Need to Know Before You Enroll

Maryland has a strong carrier market for Medicare, which means more options — and more opportunity for confusion. Whether you're turning 65, transitioning off an employer plan, or reviewing your current coverage during Annual Enrollment, the decisions you make at enrollment have lasting consequences. Mike works through those decisions with you one on one, at no charge, with no pressure to choose any particular plan or carrier.

 

Maryland Medicare enrollees typically weigh three main paths:

 

  • Medicare Supplement (Medigap): Pairs with Original Medicare to cover cost-sharing gaps. Plan G is the most popular option for new enrollees in Maryland after Plan F closed to new participants in 2020.
  • Medicare Advantage: Bundled coverage through a private carrier, often with additional benefits like dental, vision, and hearing. Network and formulary details matter significantly in Maryland's metro areas.
  • Part D Prescription Drug Plans: Standalone drug coverage for those staying on Original Medicare. Plan selection should be based on your specific medications, not just the monthly premium.

Individual Health Insurance for Maryland Residents

Life changes — and health coverage has to keep up. Maryland residents who experience a qualifying life event such as job loss, a move, or aging off a parent's plan have a limited window to secure new coverage. IBNRG helps individuals and families in Maryland navigate ACA marketplace options through HealthSherpa, comparing plans across carriers available in your area and explaining what the numbers actually mean before you commit.

 

Maryland also has its own state-based exchange, Maryland Health Connection, which operates separately from the federal marketplace. Mike is familiar with both pathways and can help you determine which applies to your situation and what financial assistance you may qualify for based on your income.

Group Benefits for Maryland Small Businesses

Small business owners in Maryland face the same challenge as those anywhere: offering competitive benefits without letting the cost run the business. IBNRG works with Maryland employers ranging from two employees to fifty, putting together group health, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage from carriers that compete for your business — not the other way around.

 

The process starts with a conversation about your workforce, your budget, and what matters most to your team. From there, Mike presents options in plain language so you can make a decision that works for your business today and holds up as you grow.

Dental, Vision, and Supplemental Coverage in Maryland

Medical insurance leaves gaps — and for many Maryland residents, dental and vision are among the most noticeable. IBNRG offers individual and family dental and vision plans through Delta Dental, Ameritas, VSP, and EyeMed, with options at a range of price points to fit different budgets and coverage needs.

 

For Maryland residents who travel internationally for work or leisure, IBNRG also offers travel medical insurance and trip cancellation coverage. Whether you need emergency medical evacuation coverage for an overseas trip or protection against a canceled flight, Mike can walk you through the options and help you find a plan that fits your itinerary and your risk tolerance.

Why Maryland Residents Work with IBNRG

Mike has built a practice of more than 2,800 clients entirely through referrals — no advertising, no cold outreach. That kind of growth comes from one thing: clients who feel genuinely helped referring people they care about.

 

A few things that distinguish how IBNRG works:

 

  • Independent, not captive. IBNRG holds no exclusive contracts with any carrier. Every recommendation is based on what fits the client, not what benefits the broker.
  • Paid by carriers, never by clients. Consultations and ongoing service are free. Mike is compensated by the carrier whose plan you choose — and the compensation is the same regardless of which plan that is.
  • Plain-language communication. Mike spent 11 years in brand marketing at Nike and 7 years at Reebok before moving into insurance. That background shows in how he explains things — clearly, without jargon, and without assuming you already know the vocabulary.
  • Available seven days a week. Scheduling runs Monday through Friday, 10am–6pm CT, but calls and texts are welcomed daily.
  • G2RS certified. An annually renewed health insurance provider certification that reflects a commitment to ongoing professional development.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Insurance Coverage in Maryland

  • Do I need a Maryland-licensed broker to get help with Medicare in Maryland?

    Yes. Brokers who sell or advise on Medicare plans in Maryland must hold an active Maryland insurance license. Mike is licensed in Maryland and works with Maryland residents across all Medicare plan types, including Supplement, Advantage, and Part D.

  • What is the difference between Maryland Health Connection and the federal marketplace?

    Maryland operates its own state-based exchange called Maryland Health Connection rather than using the federal HealthCare.gov platform. Maryland residents must enroll through the state exchange to access ACA marketplace plans and any applicable premium tax credits. Mike is familiar with both systems and can guide you through the right enrollment pathway for your situation.

  • When can I enroll in a Medicare plan in Maryland?

    Most people first become eligible for Medicare at 65. Your Initial Enrollment Period spans the three months before, the month of, and the three months after your 65th birthday. Outside of that window, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you're losing employer coverage. Annual Enrollment runs October 15 through December 7 each year for Medicare Advantage and Part D changes.

  • Can a small business in Maryland offer group health insurance with only a few employees?

    Yes. Maryland small businesses with as few as two employees can qualify for group health coverage. In some cases, a group of one may qualify depending on the structure of the business. IBNRG works with Maryland employers in that size range and can help you understand what options are available and what the contribution requirements look like.

  • Is there any cost to working with IBNRG as a Maryland resident?

    There is no cost to you. IBNRG is compensated by the insurance carriers whose plans are selected — not by clients. That compensation structure is the same across carriers, which means Mike has no financial reason to steer you toward one plan over another. The consultation is free, and so is the ongoing support after enrollment.
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Ready to Talk Through Your Maryland Coverage Options?

Whether you're approaching Medicare eligibility, looking for individual health coverage after a life change, or trying to build a benefits package for your Maryland business, Mike is available to help. The conversation is free, the guidance is independent, and the goal is a clear answer — not a quick close.