The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has extended the special enrollment period for health insurance through healthcare.gov to August 15. Starting April 1, under the American Rescue Plan, consumers have access to additional savings through healthcare.gov that will lower premiums by, on average, $50 per person per month and $85 per policy per month, according to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. On average, one in four individuals who enroll through healthcare.gov can upgrade their plan to coverage that offers lower out-of-pocket costs at the same or a lower monthly premium.

Beginning in early July, consumers eligible to receive unemployment compensation for any week during 2021 may get additional savings when enrolling in new Marketplace coverage through healthcare.gov or updating their existing Marketplace application.

To learn more about coverage qualifications, call Consumers for Affordable Health Care at (800) 965-7476 or visit coverme.gov to learn more about affordable options through both MaineCare and healthcare.gov. People in Maine are eligible for insurance through MaineCare if their annual income is less than $17,236 for a single person or $29,435 for a family of three. Those eligible may enroll in MaineCare at any time of year.