Maine United HealthLicensed Maine health insurance broker · Lewiston
Guide

Health insurance glossary

Christopher York, licensed Maine health insurance producer · October 2026

The words you will see on CoverME.gov and on your plan, in plain English, with links to the full guides.

Premium

What you pay each month to keep the plan, whether or not you use it. Read more

Deductible

What you pay for covered care each year before the plan starts paying its share. Preventive care is free before the deductible. Read more

Copay

A flat amount you pay for a service, such as $30 for a doctor visit. Read more

Coinsurance

Your percentage of a bill after the deductible, such as 20%. Read more

Out-of-pocket maximum

The most you pay in a year for covered in-network care. For 2027 the federal ceiling is $12,000 for one person and $24,000 for a family. Read more

Subsidy (premium tax credit)

A federal tax credit that lowers your monthly premium, based on household income and size. Read more

Cost-sharing reductions

Extra savings on deductibles and copays for incomes up to 250% of the poverty level, only on Silver plans. Read more

Benchmark plan

The second-cheapest Silver plan in your area. Your subsidy is figured from its price. Read more

Federal poverty level (FPL)

The yardstick for MaineCare and subsidies. For 2027 coverage, 100% is $15,960 for one person. Read more

Metal levels

Bronze, Silver and Gold: how you and the plan split costs. Read more

HSA (Health Savings Account)

A tax-advantaged savings account for medical costs. Works with Bronze and catastrophic CoverME.gov plans since 2026. Read more

HMO

A plan that uses its own network and usually needs referrals for specialists. Read more

PPO

A plan with no referrals and some out-of-network coverage, usually at a higher premium. Read more

EPO

No referrals, but no out-of-network coverage except emergencies. Read more

Network

The doctors, hospitals and pharmacies a plan has contracts with. Read more

Formulary

The plan's list of covered prescription drugs. Read more

Prior authorization

Approval the plan requires before some services or drugs are covered. Read more

Open enrollment

The yearly sign-up window: November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15 for January 1. Read more

Special enrollment period

A 60-day window to enroll after a qualifying life event. Read more

Qualifying life event

A change such as losing coverage, moving, marriage or a baby that opens a special enrollment period. Read more

MaineCare

Maine's Medicaid program; free or low-cost coverage for people who qualify, open all year. Read more

CoverME.gov

Maine's official health insurance marketplace, where you apply for plans and subsidies. Read more

Form 1095-A

The statement CoverME.gov sends each year for your tax return, showing premiums and credits. Read more

Broker

A licensed agent who helps you compare and enroll at no extra cost; paid by the insurer. Read more

All guides

Checked October 2026.

Not legal or tax advice. Rules and prices change; if a number here affects you, call 207-631-3546 and we will check it for your household for free.

Want your own numbers? Get a free quote or call 207-631-3546.

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