Congratulations Maine! You are a guarantee issue state which means that all health insurance companies in the state of Maine are required to offered a standardized health insurance policy to everyone.
Maine health insurance companies are not allowed to turn down any any health insurance application for any reason. Maine health insurance plans are also mandated to be guaranteed renewable, which simply means that companies cannot cancel coverage if a policyholder gets sick or injured.
This does not stop many shysters from attempting to pull fast ones and if you shop for Maine health insurance on the internet you will find that many online health insurance brokers offer companies like Time Insurance and the Mega Life and Health Insurance Company which are two reprehensible companies. Why they are still allowed to offer policies in any state is beyond my understanding.
The Maine Health Insurance Companies
If you are in the health insurance market in Maine, there is one good company to start with which is of course the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Blue Cross of Maine is as all health insurance companies are in the state, very expensive. Especially for younger people which is one of the drawbacks to the guarantee issue program in the NorthEast. Premiums can run as high as 10 times the normal rate for other states. Of course these plans are very benefit rich and reliable and you never have to worry about rescission.
The Harvard Pilgrim Health Care program is another fantastic health insurance plan offered through Dirigo Choice which is a little more affordable in some situations.
Of course in the state of Maine, there are fantastic assets for health coverage, through some of the programs outlined below.
Maine Government Health Programs
DirigoChoice
DirigoChoice is a PPO product offered through Harvard Pilgrim Health Care for residents of the State of Maine in the following categories:
- Small employers (2-50 employees)
- Sole Proprietors (Self-employed of 1)
- Individuals
- Dirigo Health Program (DirigoChoice)
This program is designed to provide health coverage to uninsured individuals, small businesses workers and employers, and self-employed residents. To get more information about this Maine health insurance programs, visit them online.
- Maine Breast and Cervical Cancer Health Program
Low-income women in Maine can receive free screening for breast and cervical cancer, and get full health care benefits through Medicaid with this program. Find more information about this Maine health insurance program here.
Another health care assistance program is the Federal Health Coverage Tax Credit, which pays for 65 percent of insurance premiums for Maine trade workers and early retirees.
Maine State Health Insurance Assistance Program(SHIP) for Medicare
For residents of Maine over 65 that cannot afford a Blue Cross policy or a private insurance company or don’t know where to start, there is SHIP who provides free one-on-one counseling for Medicare beneficiaries with questions about any aspect of Medicare, including the new Part D prescription drug benefit, or Medigap coverage.
Maine State Health Insurance Assistance Program
Phone: 877.353.3771 or 800.262.2232
http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/beas/hiap/purpose.htm
MaineCare – Medicaid
MaineCare is Maine’s outstanding Medicaid program for individuals and families under 65. Medicaid is a state government program designed to help the poor and indigent obtain health care services. Pregnant women and children under age 19 who meet certain income requirements may be eligible for Medicaid coverage, along with aged, blind, and disabled individuals. For more information about MaineCare program, including eligibility requirements, contact MaineCare at the number listed below.
MaineCare
Phone: 207.624.7539 or 800.321.5557
http://www.maine.gov/bms/member.htm
