Mainers shopping for health insurance during the open enrollment period for CoverME.gov may experience sticker shock from high monthly premiums but health care advocates said financial help is still available.
The Maine Bureau of Insurance has approved an average premium rate increase of roughly 15% for the individual market and about 13% for small businesses.
Ann Woloson, executive director of the Augusta-based Consumers for Affordable Health Care, said most people still qualify for premium subsidies and trained assisters can help them apply in person or online.
“Individuals, for example, who aren’t offered or who can’t afford employer-based coverage. It’s the best place for people to research what their most comprehensive coverage options will be,” Woloson explained.
She stressed people should remain cautious of non-marketplace plans, which often lack comprehensive coverage and make sure they are applying at the official CoverME.gov website. Open enrollment runs through Jan. 15. Enrollment in Maine’s marketplace fell more than 9% this year after hitting record levels of adult enrollment in 2025. Enrollment in dental plans also declined nearly 7% this year.
Woloson urged people to call the Consumers for Affordable Health Care hotline before giving up on health insurance. She noted more than half of Maine households reported carrying medical debt, the majority of which stems from hospital stays.
“Anything that can be done to make it easier for people to get the preventative health care they need so they don’t end up sicker and in a more expensive setting is beneficial, and that’s what health insurance is supposed to be able to do – to help people get the services they need,” Woloson emphasized.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has developed new identity requirements for marketplace applications but the new rules do not apply to state-based marketplaces like CoverME.gov. New federal rules will prevent many lawfully present immigrants from qualifying for premium subsidies.
Woloson added Consumers for Affordable Health Care can help link people to hospital free care, prescription drug assistance programs and clinics with sliding-scale services.
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