Many Maine families are bracing for steep health insurance increases in 2026 as enhanced federal tax credits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are set to expire. These credits have capped premiums at 8.5% of household income, but unless Congress acts, families will face full-price premiums often exceeding $1,000 a month. A Kittery couple with two children could see costs jump nearly 60%, while older Mainers may face premiums in the tens of thousands. One couple in their 60s currently pays $7,225 annually for coverage; without subsidies, that same plan could soar to $25,000.

The Maine Bureau of Insurance has already announced average premium increases of 23.9% for individual plans and 17.5% for small employer coverage in 2026. Rising medical and prescription drug costs, combined with uns

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