CoverME.gov Final Day for 2026 Health Coverage Enrollment

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Published January 15th, 2026

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

Maine's CoverME.gov announced January 15, 2026, as the final day for residents to enroll in health insurance for 2026 coverage. The notice highlights preliminary enrollment trends, including a decrease in the percentage of consumers receiving advance premium tax credits and an increase in enrollment in higher-deductible plans, potentially due to the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies.

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What changed

This notice from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) serves as a final reminder for residents to enroll in health insurance coverage through CoverME.gov for the 2026 plan year, with the deadline being January 15, 2026. It provides preliminary enrollment data, indicating that approximately 58,000 people have selected plans. Key trends noted include a decrease in the proportion of consumers receiving advance premium tax credits (APTC) and an increase in enrollment in higher-deductible Bronze plans, with over 8,000 consumers cancelling coverage, citing affordability as a primary reason, likely influenced by the expiration of Federal Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (EPTCs).

While the notice encourages immediate enrollment to avoid coverage gaps, it also points to potential future coverage losses as consumers may struggle with higher premiums after grace periods conclude. The implications for consumers are increased out-of-pocket costs and potential loss of coverage if affordability pressures persist. Regulated entities, such as insurers, should be aware of these enrollment trends and potential shifts in their customer base. The DHHS offers customer service support until 10 p.m. on the final enrollment day.

What to do next

Ensure consumers are aware of the January 15, 2026, deadline for 2026 health coverage enrollment on CoverME.gov.
Advise consumers seeking coverage to enroll by 11:59 PM on January 15, 2026, to avoid a gap in coverage.
Inform consumers that coverage obtained on January 15, 2026, would begin on February 1, 2026.

Source document (simplified)

Final Day of Open Enrollment on CoverME.gov for 2026 Coverage

Jan 15, 2026

AUGUSTA -- Today is the final day of Open Enrollment for 2026 health insurance coverage through Maine's official Health Insurance Marketplace, CoverME.gov. Maine residents who need coverage are encouraged to enroll by 11:59pm to avoid a gap in coverage. Health coverage obtained today through CoverME.gov would begin on February 1, 2026.

Based on the most recent data available from Maine's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office of the Health Insurance Marketplace (OHIM), approximately 58,000 people have selected a plan for 2026. These figures are preliminary and will continue to be updated as Open Enrollment comes to a close and payments are processed.

"It's not too late to find health care coverage for yourself and your loved ones through Maine's health insurance market, CoverME.gov," said OHIM Director, Hilary Schneider. "Maine people are encouraged to visit CoverME.gov or call our team of experts who can help you enroll in coverage. We have customer service representatives ready to assist, working the phones until 10 p.m. tonight."

Preliminary Enrollment Trends

According to the Department's most recent data, 74 percent of enrolled Maine consumers are receiving advance premium tax credits (APTC) that help lower their monthly premium payments. That is down from 85 percent last year.

Among those receiving APTC:

Average premium paid: $181/month, compared to $178 last year.
Average APTC amount: $774/month, compared to $607 last year. The higher average subsidy amount likely reflects higher underlying premiums and changes in the income distribution of enrolled consumers.

Early data indicate that enrollment behavior in 2026 is shaped by affordability pressures following the expiration of the Federal Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (EPTCs). More than 8,000 consumers who were previously covered through CoverME.gov have cancelled their coverage since the start of Open Enrollment due, with approximately 33 percent of cancellations pointing to affordability as their cancellation reason. Over 3,000 consumers who have cancelled coverage previously qualified for tax credits in 2025 but no longer qualify, mostly due to federal eligibility changes.

While more than 7,000 new consumers have enrolled, new enrollments in CoverME.gov are down approximately 24 percent compared to this time last year. New enrollments are at the lowest level at this point in Open Enrollment since Maine launched its state-based Marketplace in 2020.

At the same time, more consumers are selecting plans with higher deductibles. Enrollment in bronze plans has increased by more than 10 percentage points and now represents nearly 60 percent of all plan selections.

The full enrollment impact of the loss of enhanced subsidies is unlikely to be realized until after the first quarter of 2026 or later.

Consumers who are enrolled in coverage with premium tax credits and have paid the premium for at least a month have a three-month non-payment grace period, which begins the first month of nonpayment, before insurance carriers can terminate coverage for non-payment. Many consumers are currently maintaining coverage but may ultimately not be able to sustain higher premiums over time, particularly if faced with unexpected expenses (e.g., housing, vehicle repairs, or medical bills). Further declines in enrollment and further coverage losses are likely to emerge once the grace period concludes.

Visit CoverMe.gov for more information.

Customer service representatives for CoverME.gov are available to help until 10 p.m, call 1-866-636-0355 for assistance. Plans can be obtained online without assistance until 11:59pm. After this deadline, consumers will have to wait until the next Open Enrollment Period starts, later in 2026, unless they qualify for a special enrollment period.