2026 Rate Increase Request Explained During Public State Rate Forum

NEW GLOUCESTER, MAINE, August 18, 2025 — Escalating health care costs, led by more demand for services and specialty medications, combined with the loss of enhanced advanced premium tax credits, are among factors driving Community Health Options request for rate increases in 2026, the company said during a public forum hosted by the Maine Bureau of Insurance on Friday, Aug. 15. 

Community Health Options has asked for average rate increases of 30% for individual/family plans and 25% for small businesses.

Kevin Lewis, company CEO and president, outlined how national trends are playing out in Maine and directly impacting the company’s costs. He also described how the expected loss of enhanced federal subsidies will negatively impact Maine consumers directly as a reduction in the amount of premium support and indirectly through a smaller total pool of participants because of price sensitivity.

“As the only nonprofit based in Maine, we work on behalf of our Members and are not beholden to delivering profits to Wall Street,” Lewis said. “It was a privilege to participate in the Superintendent’s forum, but heartbreaking to hear the struggles so many Mainers face when it comes to getting the care they need. We can only stress our commitment to improving health outcomes even while doing everything we can to manage rising costs.”

Lewis also discussed how the company was working with willing providers and health care systems to get better prices for services, along with lowering its own administrative costs.

See the full presentation here.

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