Maine Medicaid for Senior Care
Complete guide to Medicaid eligibility, coverage, and application process for nursing homes, assisted living, and home care in Maine.
7.6 million Medicaid long-term care recipients nationwide
Maine Department of Health and Human Services - Office of MaineCare Services
Processing Time
45-90 days for standard applications, up to 3 months for long-term care waiver applications
Maine Medicaid Eligibility Requirements (2026)
To qualify for Medicaid long-term care in Maine, applicants must meet both financial eligibility criteria (income and assets) and medical criteria (level of care needs). Maine follows federal Medicaid guidelines with some state-specific variations.
Income Limits
Individual Applicant
$2,982/month
Married Couple (One Applying)
$2,982/month per applicant
Income includes Social Security, pensions, annuities, interest, dividends, and rental income.
Asset Limits
Individual Applicant
$10,000
Community Spouse (At-Home Spouse)
$162,660 (community spouse)
Primary residence, one vehicle, personal belongings, and prepaid burial arrangements are exempt from asset limits.
5-Year Look-Back Period
Maine Medicaid reviews all financial transactions for the 60 months prior to application. Asset transfers or gifts during this period can result in a penalty period of Medicaid ineligibility. The penalty is calculated by dividing the transferred amount by $10,600/month average (the average monthly nursing home cost in Maine).
Medical Eligibility
Applicants must demonstrate need for nursing facility level of care through a state assessment. This typically requires assistance with 2-3 Activities of Daily Living (bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, eating) or cognitive impairment requiring supervision.
Assessments are performed by state-designated evaluators (nurses or social workers) and typically take 45-90 minutes. The assessment can occur at home, in a hospital, or at the care facility.
What Medicaid Covers in Maine
Nursing Home Care
Medicaid pays 100% of nursing home costs in Maine once eligibility is established. The average monthly cost is $10,600/month average. Recipients contribute most of their monthly income toward care costs, keeping only $50-75 for personal needs.
Coverage includes room, board, 24-hour nursing care, meals, medications, therapy services, and all medical care provided at the facility.
Assisted Living Coverage
MaineCare Residential Care/Assisted Living Services: MaineCare covers personal care services and nursing services in residential care facilities and assisted living settings. Private duty nursing and personal care services provide reimbursement for help with medication administration and activities of daily living. However, room and board costs are not covered by MaineCare and must be paid by the resident.
Note: This program covers personal care services but does not cover room and board costs. Residents need approximately $1,500-$2,500/month from Social Security or other income to cover housing expenses.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers
Maine offers 3 HCBS waiver programs that provide in-home care and community services as an alternative to nursing facility placement.
Elderly and Adults with Disabilities Waiver
Maine's primary HCBS waiver for seniors and disabled adults at risk of institutionalization. Provides personal care assistance, assistive technology, home delivered meals, personal emergency response systems, home modifications, and home health services.
Program Details →Brain Injury Services Waiver
Serves individuals with acquired brain injury who require nursing facility level of care, providing specialized rehabilitation and support services in community settings.
Program Details →Support Services for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism
Provides comprehensive home and community-based services for adults with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorder, including residential support and employment services.
Program Details →How to Apply for Medicaid in Maine
Maine Medicaid applications typically take 45-90 days for standard applications, up to 3 months for long-term care waiver applications. Starting the process early and submitting complete documentation helps avoid delays.
Application Methods
You can apply for Medicaid in Maine through:
- Online at MyMaineConnection.gov
- Phone: 1-855-797-4357
- Mail application to Office for Family Independence
- In-person at local DHHS office
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before starting your application, collect:
- •Birth certificate and Social Security card
- •Proof of citizenship (passport, naturalization)
- •5 years of bank statements
- •Investment and retirement account statements
- •Property deeds and mortgage statements
- •Life insurance policies
- •Social Security award letter
- •Pension benefit statements
- •Medicare card
- •Doctor's statement of care needs
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Complete and submit your application through one of the methods listed above. If applying online or by mail, keep copies of all submitted documents.
Step 3: Medical Assessment
A state assessor will evaluate level of care needs. This assessment typically takes 45-90 minutes and covers functional abilities, medical needs, cognitive status, and safety concerns.
Step 4: Financial Review
Medicaid staff review all financial documents and investigate any transfers or gifts made in the past 60 months. They may request additional documentation during this process.
Step 5: Receive Determination
You'll receive written notification of approval or denial. Approved applications include the effective date of coverage (often retroactive up to 3 months), patient responsibility amount, and covered services.
Get Free Application Help
Free Medicaid application assistance is available in Maine from:
- •Area Agency on Aging: Call 1-800-677-1116 (Eldercare Locator) to find your local office
- •SHIP counselors: Free Medicare/Medicaid counseling
- •Nursing facility social workers: In-facility application support
- •Elder law attorneys: Paid help for complex financial situations ($2,000-$5,000)
Maine-Specific Programs and Resources
Medicare Savings Programs
Maine has no asset limit for Medicare Savings Programs as of 2024. Income limits increased significantly, with QMB covering individuals up to $2,413/month (single) or $3,261/month (couple). Covers Medicare premiums, deductibles, and cost-sharing.
Learn MoreCommunity Spouse Income Allowance
Minimum monthly income allowance for non-applicant spouse set at $2,643.75/month (effective 7/1/25-6/30/26) to prevent spousal impoverishment.
Learn MoreMaineCare Nursing Facility Rate Reform
Ongoing improvements to nursing facility reimbursement rates that began in 2025, aimed at improving quality of care and facility sustainability.
Learn MoreNeed Help with Maine Medicaid?
Contact Maine Department of Health and Human Services - Office of MaineCare Services for specific questions about eligibility, application status, or covered services.
Main Office Phone
1-855-797-4357Application Helpline
1-855-797-4357