Financial help available for most CoverME.gov plan enrollees
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
