Hello All, Healthcare insurance coverage open enrollment runs from November 1, 2022 to January 15, 2023. Please publicize and help connect your community members to Maine's healthcare marketplace CoverME.gov https://www.coverme.gov/  where people needing coverage can shop for plans, compare plan levels of coverage, and check their eligibility for federal subsidy of their premiums or out-of-pocket costs.

All CoverME plans have comprehensive coverage of the Ten Essential Health Benefits<https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/essential-health-benefits/> as defined under the ACA. They also cover many preventive services. Individuals and families can also add dental coverage and can look up their preferred providers to see if they are in-network for the various healthcare plans.

Some CoverME updates for 2023:

  *   The insurance carriers for 2023 are Anthem, Harvard Pilgrim, Community Health Options, and Tara Health (Tara is a new addition for Cumberland County residents only).
  *   The "family glitch" has recently been corrected, allowing family members of a person covered by their employer's plan to get coverage under a CoverME plan.
  *   Individuals can also check to see if their employer's plan is considered "affordable." If not, they may be able to be covered under a CoverME plan.
  *   Multi-tax households can enroll in CoverME policies.
  *   People earning over 400% of federal poverty level ($54,000 for individuals and $111,000 for a family of four) may now be eligible for federal subsidy.
  *   Applicants can now enter start and end dates for expected seasonal income.
  *   Plans are no longer rating people on smoking habits.
  *   Applicants can now update applications without having to make a new application.

There are local Maine Enrollment Assisters ready to help applicants at https://www.coverme.gov/find-help-near-you  or 1-866-636-0355 , TTY 711. Starting November 1st, their hours of operation are Mon- Fri, 8 AM- 8 PM and Sat 9 AM-5 PM.

Even though Maine has made great strides getting people insured, there are about 75,000 uninsured in our state and about half of them would be eligible for a CoverME plan. Thanks for helping your community members connect to healthcare coverage. Deb

Deborah A. Clark, MLIS
Library Management Specialist
Maine State Library
(207)233-2193
E-mail: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>

"Great Libraries Build Strong Communities"