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Community Health Options and Northern Light Health have reached an agreement that lowers costs and improves access to health care for Community Health Options' Members, while providing fair and equitable payments to Northern Light Health's providers and facilities across Maine. 

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 recent public forum hosted by the Maine Bureau of Insurance.

For 2026, our proposed health plan rates, which we annually submit to the Maine Bureau of Insurance, will see an increase ranging from 17.6 to 35%. It's important to remember that this increase does not account for any Advanced Premium Tax Credit (APTC) subsidies you may be eligible to receive. Your actual costs will also vary based on several factors, including your age, where you live and which type of plan you choose.

As healthcare costs continue to rise, Community Health Options remains committed to providing benefits our Members can actually use. Learn how we work toward better health outcomes and lower costs for Members and business clients in our 2024 Annual Report, Transparency in Action.

Five Maine nonprofit organizations have received $50,000 from the Community Health Options’ 2025 Wellness Grants program to help fund projects that help to reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and associated complications like heart disease, stroke, vision problems and kidney disease.