Finding affordable family health insurance in Maine can be a challenge if you are self employed or work for an employer who does not offer group health insurance. The good news is that the state of Maine is continually working toward making family health insurance rates in Maine affordable for everyone.

One of the biggest steps in Maine family health insurance has been the establishment of Dirigo Choice, a Maine family medical insurance plan that makes premiums affordable for the self employed and small businesses owner. The state of Maine also offers middle- and lower-income family health insurance with very low to no co-pays.

Family health insurance companies include:

1. Harvard Pilgrim
2. Anthem Blue Cross
3. Aetna

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find out if you quality for Maine Care

State subsidized health care used to be only for the very poorest citizens of Maine, and then it was only available to children and pregnant women. Today, amidst the growing health care crisis, the state of Maine is offering many different levels of coverage to families who are not covered through employers through its Maine Care Program.

I recommend: Visit the Maine Care website to find out more about prices and income qualifications. You can also visit the FAQ page of the Maine Insurance Bureau for more information about family health insurance.

Find out about Dirigo Choice, if you are self-employed

Dirigo Choice is another Maine family medical insurance plan that reduces the cost of sky high insurance premiums for self employed individuals and small business owners. Applicants must show proof of income, and small business owners must offer the plan to their employees (the employees don't have to sign up, though). Currently Dirigo Choice offers coverage through its partnership with Harvard Pilgrim, a Maine family health insurance company.

I recommend: Check out the Dirigo Choice website, which explains the program, the insurance coverage offered and how premiums are based.

Shop around for the best Maine family health insurance quotes

The best place to start looking for family medical insurance in Maine is with a local insurance rep. You can look for quotes online, as a starting point, but keep in mind they are often inaccurate, since premiums are based on a large number of factors. When you visit a family medical insurance Maine agent, take a notebook with questions you need answered, such as co-pay amounts, specialist coverage, well-childcare check-up coverage and other important medical concerns. Keeping your own notes is easier than sifting to through the mountain of Maine family health insurance paperwork that companies love to give out.

I recommend: Look for Maine family medical insurance at Maine-Health-Insurance-Plans.com, which gives you instant online quotes.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Maine has really high insurance rates and not much bargaining power with insurance companies. You should definitely shop around for Maine family health insurance rates, but don't be surprised if they are still extremely high, even those with high deductibles.