Business
Maine Open Enrollment Nov. 1: Portland Residents Face Higher 2027 Health Insurance Costs
PORTLAND, Maine — Open enrollment for 2027 health insurance coverage begins Sunday, Nov. 1, giving Maine residents an opportunity to compare plans, review premiums and determine whether they qualify f
By Audrey Sloan · 2026-11-01T23:56:24.037Z
PORTLAND, Maine — Open enrollment for 2027 health insurance coverage begins Sunday, Nov. 1, giving Maine residents an opportunity to compare plans, review premiums and determine whether they qualify for financial assistance.
Mainers can enroll through CoverME.gov , the state's official health insurance marketplace. Open enrollment runs from Nov. 1, 2026, through Jan. 15, 2027 .
Residents who enroll or change plans by Dec. 15 can have coverage begin Jan. 1. Enrollment or plan changes made from Dec. 16 through Jan. 15 generally take effect Feb. 1.
The enrollment period arrives as Maine residents face higher health insurance costs for 2027.
The Maine Bureau of Insurance approved an average 14.8% rate increase for the individual health insurance market for 2027. Small employer plans received an average approved increase of 13.5%. State regulators said higher medical utilization, prescription drug costs, provider contracts and broader inflation contributed to the increases.
Residents are encouraged to review their existing coverage rather than automatically renewing. Premiums, deductibles, provider networks and prescription drug coverage can change from one year to the next.
What Maine residents should check Consumers comparing 2027 health insurance plans should review monthly premiums, deductibles, out of pocket costs, prescription coverage and whether preferred doctors and hospitals remain in network.
Financial assistance remains available to qualifying Mainers through CoverME.gov. The marketplace says it is the only place in Maine where consumers can apply for premium tax credits and other financial help that can reduce health insurance costs.
One additional change for 2027 is that Mending Health will no longer offer plans through CoverME.gov beginning Jan. 1 , meaning affected consumers will need to review other available coverage for the new year.
Residents can compare plans through CoverME.gov and can also receive free assistance from certified brokers or enrollment assisters.