Maine Regulators Approve Nearly 15% Average Rate Hike for 2027 ACA Plans

Overview

• State insurance regulators approved average increases of 14.8% for individual marketplace plans and 13.5% for small-group coverage that take effect January 1, 2027.
• Officials pointed to rising hospital and provider costs plus higher prescription drug prices as the main drivers, and they approved smaller hikes than insurers requested (insurers sought about 16.8% for individuals and 15.7% for small groups).
• The decision affects roughly 65,000 people who buy coverage through CoverME.gov and most enrollees will see some relief because more than 70% receive advance premium tax credits.
• Acting Insurance Superintendent Timothy Schott said the approved increases remain painful for Mainers and small businesses and urged consumers to compare plans during open enrollment on CoverME.gov.
• The move follows national trends of roughly 15% rate growth and comes after the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, a change that weakened enrollment and can leave unsubsidized buyers facing much larger out-of-pocket premium jumps.