Last week, Governor Mills announced that Maine will become one of the latest states to offer a statewide health insurance market under the Affordable Care Act. We’re here to answer your question about how it works and what it can do for you.
How do I enroll?
The state’s health insurance market will be accessible through CoverME.org. From November 1 through January 15, Mainers can compare affordable healthcare plans to see which coverage options work best for each individual, as well as determine whether they can get a lower-cost healthcare plan. CoverME.gov can also help determine if you or your family qualify for free or low-cost coverage from MaineCare or CubCare (the Children’s Health Insurance Program).
Is this an improvement over how we’ve gotten health insurance in the past?
Absolutely! For those who don’t qualify for state-sponsored health insurance like MaineCare or CubCare, CoverME gives Mainers an alternative to employer-sponsored healthcare that’s better tailored to the needs of our state. After millions lost their health insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic, this option can help the uninsured get the care they need.
What does this mean for Maine’s working families?
Access to a statewide health insurance market fills many of the coverage gaps in our current system. For people who don’t qualify for care under MaineCare or the ACA, or whose families aren’t covered under employer-specific insurance, CoverME is a great option for affordable healthcare.
Is there any financial assistance available?
Yes. Thanks to funding from the American Rescue Plan (the federal government’s COVID-19 stimulus package for 2021), 80 percent of Mainers who choose coverage through CoverME will have access to some degree of financial aid. One in four Mainers using CoverME will be able to get health insurance for just $10 a month!
CoverME represents a massive step towards guaranteeing affordable healthcare for all Mainers. We applaud Governor Mills for her leadership and commitment to keeping Maine’s families safe and healthy.