New law to help Mainers access health insurance and primary care takes effect
AUGUSTA — Yesterday, a new law introduced by Sen. Joe Baldacci, D-Bangor, went into effect after being passed by the Legislature earlier this year. LD 1310, “An Act to Amend the Laws Governing Insurance Coverage of Preventive and Primary Health Services,” will increase access to zero deductible health plans and increase access to affordable health care.
“Throughout the legislative process, the goal of this bill has always been to make the cost of a trip to the doctor for Mainers more transparent,” said Sen. Baldacci. “Going to the doctor can be a fearsome experience, especially if you don’t know how much going will cost. Families need doctor’s visits, but they also deserve the peace of mind of knowing how much those visits will cost so that they can be best prepared when the bill comes. I am grateful for all my colleague support as we see this law take effect.”
LD 1310 allows zero deductible health plans (ZDHPs) to be offered in Maine’s fully insured, large group market by creating a limited and conditional exemption from the requirement that the first primary care and behavioral health office visits be provided free of charge to the member. Under a ZDHP, members are responsible only for a single combined co-pay and therefore know exactly what they are going to pay before their office visit. This removes the uncertainty and fear of high medical costs that too many Mainers face when deciding whether to seek medical care.
As non-emergency legislation, LD 1310 took effect on September 24, 2025, 90 days after the First Special Session of the 132nd Legislature adjourned. Governor Mills signed the bill on June 9, 2025.
