COVERME.GOV'S FIFTH ANNUAL OPEN ENROLLMENT BEGINS NOVEMBER 1

The following information was released by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services:

Maine residents encouraged to explore 2026 plans for quality health coverage and free enrollment help

AUGUSTA-- The Maine Department of Health and Human Services' (DHHS) Office of the Health Insurance Marketplace (OHIM), today announced that CoverME.gov's Open Enrollment for 2026 will begin on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Maine people without access to health or dental insurance coverage through their employer, Medicare, or the state's Medicaid plan known as MaineCare, are encouraged to find coverage through Maine's official health insurance marketplace, CoverME.gov.

Open Enrollment will run from November 1, 2025 through January 15, 2026. Maine people can visit CoverME.gov to compare private plans, update information, learn if they qualify for financial savings, and enroll in health and dental insurance plans for 2026.

CoverME.gov provides more than financial protection, it ensures access to essential health services and peace of mind. All plans include 100% coverage for preventive care, and most plans include pre-deductible low-cost office and urgent care visits, and prescription coverage with typical co-pays between $0 and $50, depending on the plan. Health coverage protects Maine people from medical debt and helps families stay healthy when unexpected illness or injury strikes.

Free, local help from certified brokers and enrollment assistants is available statewide to guide consumers through the process of comparing and enrolling in plans. Assistance can be found at CoverME.gov/localhelp or by calling (866) 636-0355 (TTY: 711).

Households purchasing coverage through CoverME. may be eligible for federal Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTCs), which provide some monthly savings based on household income. However, tax credits known as Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (EPTCs), which introduced additional federal savings for marketplace plans in 2021, will expire at the end of 2025 unless Congress acts.

If Congress does not extend these extra savings, an overwhelming majority of CoverME.gov consumers will see rate increases -- ranging from small for some, to very large for others -- making it more important than ever to actively shop and compare plans. If Congress extends the EPTCs, average rates will decrease. Even without EPTCs, nearly 70 percent of CoverME.govenrollees will still receive some federal tax credits (APTCs) that will provide them access to lower premiums compared to the premiums they would pay if purchasing plans outside the Marketplace.

Most existing CoverME.gov members will be automatically re-enrolled in their current plan or a similar option if their previous plan is no longer offered. All consumers are encouraged to visit CoverME.gov during Open Enrollment to review plan options, confirm information, and ensure their 2026 coverage meets their needs.

Why Coverage Matters: Maine People Share Their Stories

Mainers across the state shared how CoverME.gov coverage has made a difference in their lives:

"As a self-employed small business owner moving to Maine--having CoverME.gov health insurance available was excellent. Because not having health insurance might be the most expensive risk you will ever take."

Annie, New Harbor, ME

"After years of enrolling on my own, I worked with a wonderful broker. His wife had dealt with cancer, so he really understood the decisions I was making when looking at health insurance. It literally saved my life. Because of routine screenings and checkups that were available, my breast cancer was caught very early during a routine OB-GYN exam. That's how critical these benefits are."

Julie, Stonington, ME

"Being able to get health insurance through CoverME.gov gave me the flexibility to get a job that better meets my needs."

Michael, Oxford, ME

CoverME.gov is Maine's official Health Insurance Marketplace, created by the State of Maine to help residents without access to employer coverage find, compare, and enroll in quality health insurance plans. The Marketplace also helps consumers determine eligibility for financial assistance that may make coverage more affordable.