Maine Health Insurance Guide

Health Insurance Overview in Maine

Maine expanded Medicaid (MaineCare) in 2019 after voters approved expansion in a 2017 ballot initiative, following years of gubernatorial vetoes. Maine runs its own state-based marketplace, CoverME.gov, and has implemented a reinsurance program that has helped stabilize premiums. Maine has a relatively small and rural marketplace with limited insurer competition in some areas.

Average Health Insurance Costs in Maine

Marketplace Enrollment in Maine

Maine residents can enroll in individual and family health insurance plans through CoverME.gov (State-Based). Open enrollment runs November 1 – January 15 (CoverME.gov).

Average Premiums by City in Maine

Medicaid in Maine

MaineCare expanded in 2019, covering adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level following voter-approved ballot initiative.

Children's Health Insurance (CHIP) in Maine

MaineCare covers children up to 208% of the federal poverty level.

What Makes Maine Unique

Maine's Medicaid expansion was approved by voters in 2017 despite multiple gubernatorial vetoes — one of the clearest examples of direct democracy being used to expand health coverage. The ballot initiative passed with 59% of the vote, and implementation began after a change in governor in 2019.

ACA Subsidies: What Maine Residents Should Know

The enhanced subsidies first enacted in the American Rescue Plan expired at the end of 2025. For 2026, premium tax credits follow the original ACA rules: there is no credit above 400% (the “subsidy cliff”), and enrollees are expected to pay up to 9.96% of income toward the benchmark Silver plan. House in January 2026 but has not become law, so 2027 plans are being priced and subsidized under the same rules unless Congress acts.

Maine’s Marketplace for 2027: Insurers, Rates, and Dates

Maine residents enroll through CoverME.gov. Full-price premiums rose about 23.9% on average for 2026, before subsidies. 4 insurers sold plans for 2026; Mending Health is leaving for 2027, so its enrollees need to choose a new plan.

What’s Different About Health Coverage in Maine

Maine runs its own exchange, CoverME.gov. Its reinsurance program, the Maine Guaranteed Access Reinsurance Association (MGARA), has stabilized full-price premiums since 2019. For 2027 only three insurers remain — Anthem, Harvard Pilgrim, and Maine Community Health Options — after Mending Health exits.

Tips for Choosing Health Insurance in Maine

Maine residents should check MaineCare Medicaid eligibility following the 2019 expansion. Maine's reinsurance program has reduced marketplace premiums. Rural Maine residents may have limited insurer options — comparing all available plans is important. ACA subsidies reduce costs for eligible marketplace enrollees.

• Enroll during open enrollment (November 1 – January 15 (CoverME.gov)) — missing the deadline means waiting until the next open enrollment unless you have a qualifying life event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which insurers are leaving the Maine marketplace for 2027?

Mending Health is leaving for 2027. Enrollees with that insurer should choose a new plan during open enrollment; an automatic replacement may have a different network or drug list.

The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects estimated industry averages and program eligibility rules as of 2026. Health insurance premiums, Medicaid eligibility thresholds, marketplace options, and program rules change annually. Always verify current eligibility and enrollment options at the official CoverME.gov (State-Based) or by contacting a certified navigator or broker. Premium figures shown are approximations before subsidies — actual net premiums depend on individual income, household size, and plan selection.