Maine

In Maine, expectant individuals have access to various health insurance options to help cover the cost of maternity care, including public programs, private insurance, and other forms of assistance.

1. State Plans and Programs

a. MaineCare (Maine’s Medicaid Program) for Pregnant Individuals
MaineCare provides comprehensive health coverage for low-income individuals, including pregnant people and up to 12 months postpartum. Coverage includes prenatal and postpartum care, labor and delivery, hospital stays, and infant care up to one year after birth
Eligibility is based on income and household size. Pregnant individuals may qualify even if they did not previously meet Medicaid eligibility. Learn more

b. Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) – Cub Care
Cub Care is Maine’s version of CHIP and provides coverage for children and pregnant teens. Services include prenatal checkups, lab testing and imaging (e.g., ultrasounds), birth and newborn care. Learn More

1. Employer-Sponsored Insurance (ESI)

Individuals can obtain maternity and newborn care coverage through an employer or a spouse’s employer-sponsored plan. These typically cover routine prenatal visits, ultrasounds, labor and delivery, and postpartum care.
If you or your spouse have access to employer-sponsored coverage, review the plan details to understand the maternity benefits provided.

1. Health Insurance Marketplace

Maine residents can access private insurance plans through the state-run marketplace. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), all plans offered are required to include prenatal care, maternity and newborn care, and postpartum mental health services. Depending on income, individuals may qualify for subsidies or even Medicaid through the same application process.

1. Private/Individual Insurance Plans

Health insurance purchased directly from insurance companies outside the marketplace also offers maternity benefits, though coverage levels and networks can vary. Individuals under age 26 may be covered through a parent’s plan, including during pregnancy, depending on the plan’s terms. It's important to review the specific terms of any private plan to understand the extent of coverage.

1. Additional Assistance Programs

a. Indian Health Service (IHS)
American Indian and Alaska Native individuals living in Maine may be eligible for healthcare services, including maternity and childbirth care, through the Indian Health Service or tribal health programs at low or no cost.

b. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Community health centers across Maine offer affordable pregnancy and prenatal care based on a patient’s income. These clinics provide services on a sliding fee scale, making healthcare more affordable for low-income individuals and families.

c. Maine Family Planning
This program provides access to family planning, reproductive health, and limited prenatal services to low-income women aged 15–44. Services may include pregnancy testing, health screenings, and referrals to prenatal care. Learn more

Support and Navigation Services
Certified Application Counselors and health navigators are available through CoverME.gov, community health centers, and nonprofit organizations to assist with applications and questions about insurance and care options.