Contact Sign In Add Your Business
Consumers for Affordable Health Care Consumers for Affordable Health Care
Call Now
Website
Call
Business Details
38 Years
experience
Your Trusted Guide to Maine Health Coverage
Consumers for Affordable Health Care (CAHC) is a Maine-based nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to affordable, quality health care for all residents. Founded in 1988, our mission focuses on consumer assistance, policy initiatives, and advocacy to address health care affordability, medical debt, and equity challenges. Through a free and confidential HelpLine at 1-800-965-7476, we provide personalized support for navigating health coverage options, including Marketplace plans, MaineCare programs, and employer-offered insurance. Our team specializes in explaining complex insurance terminology, assisting with denied coverage appeals, and connecting individuals to sliding-scale clinics and prescription assistance programs.

We advocate for systemic changes to reduce health care costs, promote transparency, and ensure equitable access to essential services. With a deep understanding of Maine's health care landscape, we combine decades of experience with a commitment to ethical practices and community-driven solutions. Our work includes annual surveys highlighting Mainers' struggles with medical debt, collaborative policy efforts, and training enrollment professionals to enhance statewide support networks. Through free educational resources, public awareness campaigns, and direct consumer advocacy, we strive to be a trusted voice for Maine residents facing health care access barriers.
Services
Health Insurance Assistance Coverage Denial Appeals Medical Debt Solutions Policy Advocacy Community Education
Details
  • Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
  • We offer free, confidential health insurance counseling from Maine-based experts.
  • Our team has 35+ years of combined experience in health care advocacy and policy.
  • We provide proven strategies for reducing medical debt and prescription costs.
  • Our services are completely impartial and not affiliated with any insurers.
  • We offer multilingual support and accessible resources for diverse communities.
What people say
Warm and empathetic Quick responses Explained jargon No charge Medical debt solutions
Update Listing
Services
Health Insurance Assistance
Our team provides personalized guidance for navigating Maine's health insurance landscape. We help individuals and families understand Marketplace options, MaineCare eligibility, and employer-sponsored plans while explaining complex insurance terminology. Through one-on-one counseling sessions, we assist with enrollment processes, coverage comparisons, and identifying cost-saving opportunities through premium tax credits and subsidies. Our services ensure consumers make informed decisions about their health coverage needs.
Coverage Denial Appeals
We specialize in helping consumers challenge denied insurance claims and coverage decisions. Our experts review denial letters, identify regulatory violations, and provide step-by-step guidance through the appeals process. This includes preparing formal appeals, connecting clients with legal resources, and advocating for medically necessary treatments. We focus on resolving disputes related to pre-authorizations, out-of-network care, and essential health benefits while ensuring compliance with state and federal insurance regulations.
Medical Debt Solutions
Our program addresses medical debt challenges through multiple approaches. We help clients negotiate payment plans, identify eligibility for financial assistance programs, and dispute inaccurate charges. We also provide education about Maine's hospital free care policies and sliding-scale fee options. Through policy advocacy efforts, we work to reform billing practices and protect consumers from aggressive debt collection practices while promoting long-term solutions for affordable care.
Policy Advocacy
We drive systemic change through data-driven advocacy initiatives. Our team conducts statewide surveys on health care affordability, publishes research findings, and collaborates with policymakers to address medical debt, prescription costs, and health equity gaps. We organize public awareness campaigns, participate in legislative hearings, and coordinate coalitions to advance reforms that protect consumers and improve access to essential health services across Maine.
Community Education
We provide comprehensive educational resources about health insurance fundamentals and consumer rights. Our offerings include training sessions for enrollment professionals, public workshops on navigating coverage options, and downloadable guides explaining insurance terminology. We also offer customized presentations for community organizations and employers, focusing on practical strategies for managing health care costs and understanding insurance benefits.
People
Ann
Executive Director
Ann leads CAHC's strategic initiatives with 20+ years of health policy experience. She oversees statewide advocacy efforts and manages partnerships with healthcare stakeholders while maintaining a focus on health equity and consumer protection.
Richard Evans
Board Member
Dr. Evans contributes medical expertise to CAHC's advocacy work. A practicing physician and former AMA representative, he focuses on insurance policy reforms and healthcare delivery improvements. He received the AMA's Government Service Award in 2024.
Questions
Is CAHC's assistance truly free?
Yes, all CAHC services are completely free and confidential. We receive no funding from insurance companies or providers.
Do you help with both private and public insurance issues?
We assist with all health coverage types including MaineCare, Marketplace plans, employer insurance, and private policies.
Can you help with unexpected medical bills?
Yes, we help review bills for errors, negotiate payment plans, and connect consumers to financial assistance programs.
What areas of Maine do you serve?
We provide statewide support across all 16 Maine counties through our toll-free helpline and online resources.
How quickly can I get help?
Our HelpLine responds to calls within one business day and offers same-day assistance when possible during regular business hours.
Reviews (1)
Lisbeth Matamoros
Jan 03, 2022 Report
If I could give them 10 stars I would. The whole experience was easy and pleasant. I was very anxious about finding affordable health insurance before the call, but by the end of the call I felt % relieved, supported and confident. I am so grateful for the help and support I received. I had a somewhat complicated situation and all my questions were answered /resolved professionally. I highly recommended these services for anyone who needs help finding affordable or free health insurance. When you call this place you get the feeling they ACTUALLY care about you and not there for profits and