Maine: Residents can now preview 2024 plans on CoverME.gov

via the Maine Dept. of Health & Human Services:

As Open Enrollment approaches on November 1, 2023, Maine residents can get an early look at 2024 health insurance options that meet their needs and budgets

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office of the Health Insurance Marketplace (OHIM) announced today that Maine people can now visit CoverME.gov to preview quality health plans for 2024 in advance of Open Enrollment, which begins on November 1, 2023.

During this “window-shopping” period, consumers can use the Plan Compare Tool to evaluate available private health insurance plans and estimate their costs without having to sign up for an account or complete a full application. The tool also allows consumers to view information about coverage and out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs.

This early look helps consumers prepare for comprehensive, affordable coverage in 2024. The open enrollment period through CoverME.gov, Maine’s official health insurance marketplace, starts November 1, 2023 and lasts through January 16, 2024. Any Maine resident may sign up for a 2024 health plan through CoverME.gov during open enrollment, many of whom are eligible for reduced-cost coverage.

CoverME.gov is the only place where Maine residents can shop for plans that meet Affordable Care Act quality coverage standards and find financial savings to help pay monthly premiums. Eight out of 10 Mainers qualify for savings and some may pay less than $10 a month. Even if you haven't qualified for financial assistance in previous years, it's worth checking again.

Thousands of Maine people have saved and will continue to save hundreds of dollars on average on their CoverME.gov health care premiums due to enhanced premium tax credits extended through 2025. In addition to increasing affordability for people already eligible for financial assistance, those with income over $58,320 for an individual and $120,000 for a family of four may benefit from extra financial assistance for 2024 and are encouraged to apply on CoverME.gov to see if they qualify. This extra assistance particularly benefits older Mainers and rural Mainers who often face higher premiums than others. In 2023, over 80 percent of consumers received financial assistance through CoverME.gov, with an average reduction in premium costs of $493.

Anthem, Community Health Options, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, and Taro Health will continue to offer health plans through CoverME.gov. Taro Health will offer plans to consumers in Cumberland, Sagadahoc, York and Lincoln counties, while the other three carriers will continue to offer plans to consumers in all Maine counties. Additionally, dental plans will be available from Anthem and Delta Dental.

Through CoverME.gov, Maine residents can compare qualified health insurance plans that provide comprehensive benefits – covering the unexpected, such as emergency services, as well as regular doctor's visits, prescriptions, and lab tests – and apply for help to lower the cost of coverage.

Open enrollment runs from November 1, 2023 to January 16, 2024. The enrollment deadline for coverage beginning January 1, 2024, is December 15, 2023. Consumers who enroll between December 16, 2023 and January 16, 2024 will have coverage starting on February 1, 2024. After open enrollment, Maine people can enroll in 2024 coverage only if they experience a life event that qualifies them for a Special Enrollment Period – like losing insurance through a job or MaineCare, a change in marital status, or having a baby.

As in previous years, those who already have a plan through CoverME.gov will be automatically re-enrolled in their current plan or the most similar offering from their health insurance carrier. OHIM still encourages consumers to update their information at CoverME.gov and check out alternative plans through window shopping to make sure their plan best meets their needs and budget.

People who apply through CoverME.gov who are eligible for MaineCare will have their application sent to MaineCare for review. Eligible Maine people can enroll in MaineCare at any time of year.

DHHS established OHIM in 2021 to transition Maine from the Federal health insurance marketplace, HealthCare.gov, to a fully state-run marketplace. OHIM launched and runs CoverME.gov, where, as of January 2023, 63,388 Maine residents had enrolled private plans.