Anthem/Northern Light Health Contract Dispute FAQs

The Maine Bureau of Insurance issued FAQs addressing consumer protections related to the potential network termination of Northern Light Health providers from Anthem's network. The FAQs outline patient rights regarding continuity of care and access to services if an agreement is not reached by the stated deadlines.

Maine Finalizes 2026 Health Insurance Premiums

The Maine Bureau of Insurance has announced finalized 2026 health insurance premiums for the individual and small group markets. Average rate increases of 23.9% for individuals and 17.5% for small groups will take effect January 1, 2026, driven by rising medical and drug costs.

Maine Seeks Comments on Medical Payments Coverage Rules

The Maine Bureau of Insurance is seeking comments on a draft form and proposed rule changes related to medical payments coverage assignments under LD 899. The changes aim to strengthen requirements for written agreements and provide clarity for consumers regarding payment assignments to providers. The law becomes effective September 24, 2025, with enforcement delayed until December 1, 2025.

Change Healthcare Data Breach Consumer Notice

The Maine Bureau of Insurance issued a consumer notice regarding the Change Healthcare data breach in February 2024. The breach compromised patient information, including names, addresses, and Social Security numbers, and caused widespread disruptions in healthcare payment processing. Change Healthcare is offering two years of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection.

Maine DHHS Receives Grant for Reproductive Health Awareness

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has received a nearly $600,000 federal grant from CMS to expand awareness of reproductive health coverage options available through CoverME.gov and MaineCare. The two-year grant will fund outreach and education efforts to inform consumers about available benefits.

Maine Network Adequacy Guidance for Plan Year 2027

The Maine Bureau of Insurance has issued updated Network Adequacy Guidance for plan year 2027, superseding Bulletin 487. Insurers offering Qualified Health Plans must continue to meet CMS network adequacy standards, including specific provider-to-enrollee ratios and accessibility standards, with modifications for Maine's specific conditions.

Maine DOI: Excluded Driver Law Compliance for Auto Insurance

The Maine Bureau of Insurance issued Bulletin 491 to clarify compliance requirements for the Excluded Driver Law (24-A M.R.S. § 2916-B) for personal automobile insurance policies. Insurers must ensure specific criteria are met for driver exclusions, including policyholder agreement, underwriting justification, and proper policy endorsement.

Maine Insurance Bulletin: Out-of-Network Provider Referrals

The Maine Bureau of Insurance issued Bulletin 490, updating Bulletin 434 regarding out-of-network provider referrals. The bulletin reflects legislative changes expanding direct health care service arrangements to all licensed physicians and advanced practitioners, changing the term 'direct primary care provider' to 'direct health care provider'. Health carriers must now honor referrals from these providers on the same terms as in-network providers.

Maine Insurance Bulletin on Agency Termination and Policy Cancellation

The Maine Bureau of Insurance issued Bulletin 489 to clarify that terminating an agency relationship is not a lawful basis for nonrenewal of homeowners, renters, or personal auto policies. Insurers must adhere to Maine's Cancellation Control Acts and provide explicit reasons for nonrenewal.

Allianz Risk Transfer AG Portfolio Transfer to Allianz Global Corporate SE

The Austrian Financial Market Authority (FMA) announced that Allianz Risk Transfer AG has transferred its entire insurance portfolio to Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty SE. This portfolio transfer became effective on February 28, 2026. Policyholders have a termination right under the Insurance Supervision Act 2016.