AUGUSTA – The Maine Bureau of Insurance will hold a virtual public forum Friday, August 15, at 9 a.m. to discuss proposed rate increases for calendar year 2026 sought by health insurers offering coverage in the merged (individual and small group) market.

The forum will provide the public with information on the proposed rate increases and an opportunity to offer comments. Each of the health insurers participating in Maine’s merged market will discuss key drivers affecting rates. After these brief presentations, interested members of the public will be invited to offer comments.

Those who wish to attend the forum – which will be held virtually – must preregister through this registration form on the Bureau’s website.

Attendees may offer comments and ask questions about the proposed increases. Representatives from the health insurers and the Bureau will provide information and answer questions about the rate requests and the rate review process. Written comments as well as questions about registration should be directed to insurance.pfr@maine.gov.

Health insurers have submitted rate requests that range from 8.4% to 32.7%, which will affect more than 115,000 Maine residents currently enrolled in health coverage through the merged market.  Following the forum, the Bureau will complete its review and determine whether and how much of an increase is actuarially justified. 

To learn more about proposed rate increases, consult the Bureau’s web page.