Medicare Blog

how to mainecare assistance while receiving medicare

by Dr. Nicholaus Hessel PhD Published 1 year ago Updated 1 year ago

MaineCare Can Help If you have questions or to see if a service you need is covered, call MaineCare Member Services at 1-800-977-6740. TTY users, dial 711.

Full Answer

How do I know if a service is covered by MaineCare?

To see if a service you need is covered, call MaineCare Member Services at 1-800-977-6740. TTY users, dial 711. Make sure MaineCare covers the service you need before you get care. There are limits or special rules for most covered services.

How can MaineCare help me afford health insurance?

If you are over the age of 65, are blind or have another disability, MaineCare may be able to help you afford health coverage and services.

What is the MaineCare program?

MaineCare provides health care coverage for Maine’s children and adults who are elderly, disabled, or with low incomes. Ready to apply? Applications for MaineCare are processed by the Office for Family Independence.

How do I apply for MaineCare?

Applications for MaineCare are processed by DHHS’s Office for Family Independence. For detail about general services that are covered by MaineCare, including examples of preventive and other services, see the Adults webpage.

Can you get MaineCare if you have Medicare?

Elderly and disabled adults can have private insurance, Medicare, or Supplemental Insurance AND MaineCare. Since MaineCare is full coverage and can “wrap around” Medicare, most people decide to drop their private insurance or Supplemental Insurance once they are enrolled in MaineCare.

Does Social Security count as income for MaineCare?

Income: Includes household money from sources such as Social Security, pensions, wages, alimony, self-employment, etc.

How much money can you make and still qualify for MaineCare?

You may be eligible for MaineCare if your monthly income (before you pay taxes) is up to:Your household sizeChildrenYoung Adults (19-20)1$2,413$1,8242$3,251$2,4573$4,088$3,0904$4,926$3,7241 more row

How much money can you have in the bank on MaineCare?

For children (18 and under) and pregnant women,MaineCare will not count assets. For parents of children (18 and under), and for 19 and 20 year olds, there is a $2,000 asset limit. For other adultcouples with no minor children at home, there is a $3,000 asset limit.

How do you qualify for $144 back from Medicare?

How do I qualify for the giveback?Are enrolled in Part A and Part B.Do not rely on government or other assistance for your Part B premium.Live in the zip code service area of a plan that offers this program.Enroll in an MA plan that provides a giveback benefit.

What is the income limit for extra help in 2021?

To qualify for Extra Help, your annual income must be limited to $20,385 for an individual or $27,465 for a married couple living together.

What qualifies you for MaineCare?

To be eligible for MaineCare, you must be a resident of the state of Maine, a U.S. national, citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien, in need of health care/insurance assistance, whose financial situation would be characterized as low income or very low income.

Can MaineCare take my house?

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) can pursue recovery against not just the probate estate but against any legal interest the MaineCare recipient held at the time of death. Currently, the only exception is a joint tenancy interest in real estate.

Do assets count for MaineCare?

Assets: Assets are only looked at for people who are 65 and older, or who have Medicare. Many assets will not count against you. You can own a home, land that the home is on, cars and many other assets and still get MaineCare coverage. Remember: Assets do not count for most people.

At what age do you lose MaineCare?

MaineCare provides free or low-cost health insurance, other health benefits, and assistance to kids under age 21 who meet income guidelines or disability criteria.

What is the income limit for food stamps in Maine?

Who is eligible for this program?Household Size*Maximum Income Level (Per Year)1$25,1422$33,8743$42,6064$51,3384 more rows

What is the difference between MaineCare and Medicare?

In Maine, Medicaid is now called “MaineCare.” The situation is particularly confusing because the two programs have almost identical names. The distinguishing features of the two programs may help you understand the difference. Medicare is an entitlement program, while Medicaid is a welfare program.

What is Maine MaineCare?

MaineCare (formerly Medicaid) is a "Federal/State" program, which provides assistance to people with limited resources. Specifically, MaineCare can...

Who is eligible for Maine MaineCare?

To be eligible for MaineCare, you must be a resident of the state of Maine, a U.S. national, citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien, in need o...

How can I contact someone?

MaineCare (formerly Medicaid) is a "Federal/State" program which provides assistance to people with limited resources. Specifically, MaineCare can...

Does Maine help with my Medicare premiums?

Medicare beneficiaries who struggle to afford the cost of Medicare coverage are eligible for help through a Medicare Savings Program (MSP). In Main...

Who's eligible for Medicaid for the aged, blind and disabled in Maine?

Medicare covers many services – including hospitalization, physician services, and prescription drugs – but Original Medicare doesn’t cover importa...

Where can Medicare beneficiaries get help in Maine?

Maine State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Free Medicare counseling is available by contacting the Maine State Health Insurance Assista...

Where can I apply for Medicaid in Maine?

Medicaid is administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in Maine. You can apply for Medicaid ABD or an MSP using this websit...

What is Maine MaineCare?

MaineCare (formerly Medicaid) is a "Federal/State" program, which provides assistance to people with limited resources. Specifically, MaineCare can help eligible Maine residents with their health care payments. MaineCare (formerly Medicaid) is a "Federal/State" program, which provides assistance to people with limited resources.

Who is eligible for Maine MaineCare?

To be eligible for MaineCare, you must be a resident of the state of Maine, a U.S. national, citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien, in need of health care/insurance assistance, whose financial situation would be characterized as low income or very low income. You must also be one of the following:

How can I contact someone?

MaineCare (formerly Medicaid) is a "Federal/State" program which provides assistance to people with limited resources. Specifically, MaineCare can help eligible Maine resident with their health care payments.

What is MaineCare deductible?

Basically, if your medical bills go over a certain amount during a (usually) six month period, MaineCare will kick in and cover you for the rest of that time period. This can be an important safety net if you have high medical bills.

How to contact Maine Health Insurance?

For help understanding these limits, asset levels or how to apply, call our Maine Health Insurance Consumer HelpLine at 1-800-965-7476. Family Size. Adults with Medicare or 65 years and over. (includes disregards)

Where to mail Maine unemployment application?

Call 1-800-965-7476 to have one mailed to you, or print an application at: www.maine.gov/dhh s/ofi/public-assistance. Mail it to: DHHS, 114 Corn Shop Lane, Farmington , ME 04938. Tip: Send it by certified mail and keep a copy of the mail delivery receipt. This way you can prove the date you applied.

Children

Learn more about the affordable health coverage options available to kids under age 21.

Adults

Learn more about affordable health coverage options available to Adults 19-64 years old.

Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities

Learn about the Medicare Savings Program (Buy-in), the Spenddown program for individuals who are medically needy, programs for individuals with a disability, long term care, and more.

Limited Benefits

Learn about pharmacy coverage, discount drug programs, adult dental coverage, the Private Health Insurance Premium (PHIP) program, and limited benefit packages.

Ready to Apply?

Learn about your options for applying online, by mail, and in person. Applications for MaineCare are processed by DHHS’s Office for Family Independence.

What is the income limit for Medicare in Maine?

The income limit is $1,670 a month if single ...

What is CAHC in Maine?

Consumers for Affordable Health Care (CAHC) is a non-profit organization that advocates for affordable and accessible health care for people in Maine. You can contact the program’s hotline at 800-965-7476. CAHC’s website has more information about the services the organization offers.

What is the maximum home equity for Medicaid?

In 2020, states set this home equity level based on a federal minimum of $595,000 and maximum of $893,000.

Does Medicaid cover nursing home care?

All state Medicaid programs cover community-based long-term care services. Programs that pay for this care are called Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers because recipients don’t have to enter a nursing home.

How to check if MaineCare is covered?

To see if a service you need is covered, call MaineCare Member Services at 1-800-977-6740. TTY users, dial 711. Make sure MaineCare covers the service you need before you get care. There are limits or special rules for most covered services.

What are some examples of services that may be covered by MaineCare?

Some examples of services that may be covered: Visits to your doctor. Medications. Behavioral health services. Inpatient and outpatient hospital visits. X-rays and labs. The services covered depends on your MaineCare eligibility category. MaineCare may not cover all services listed.

How to get help with quit smoking in Maine?

If your ready to quit, you can call: The Maine Tobacco Helpline at 1-800-207-1230 to get free help with your quit plan. Your doctor for help finding services and determining which products might be best for you. See the Tobacco Cessation (PDF) for more information about how we can help.

How old do you have to be to be in foster care in Maine?

Former Foster Care Children - You are under 26 years old, were in foster care in the State of Maine and were enrolled in Medicaid through the State of Maine at age 18, and are not otherwise eligible for, or enrolled in, other Medicaid coverage. If you are an adult who is age 65 and older or eligible for Medicare, ...

Apply for MaineCare

Ready to apply? Applications for MaineCare are processed by the Office for Family Independence. Learn how to apply today.

Contact MaineCare

If you have questions or need help, the Contact Us page can help you find the right person at MaineCare.

What age can you get MaineCare?

If you are over the age of 65, are blind or have another disability, MaineCare may be able to help you afford health coverage and services.

Does MaineCare pay for Medicare?

If you have Medicare , you may qualify for a Medicare Savings Plan. Depending on your income, MaineCare may pay for Part A premiums, Part B premiums, Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.

How much is the Medicaid exemption in Maine?

These exemptions are in addition to the Medicaid asset limit of $2,000 for a single individual and $3,000 for a married couple.

What income is counted for Medicaid?

Examples include employment wages, alimony payments, pension payments, Social Security Disability Income, Social Security Income, IRA withdrawals, and stock dividends.

What is CSRA in Medicaid?

This, in Medicaid speak, is called the Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA) and is intended to prevent spousal impoverishment of non-applicant spouses. As with the income allowance, the resource allowance does not apply to married couples with one spouse applying for regular Medicaid.

How much can a spouse retain for Medicaid?

For married couples, with one spouse as a Medicaid nursing home applicant or Medicaid waiver applicant, the community spouse (the non-applicant spouse) can retain up to a maximum of $130,380 (in 2021) of the couple’s joint assets, as the chart indicates above.

What are some examples of Medicaid?

Examples include paying for home modifications, like the addition of wheelchair ramps or stair lifts, prepaying funeral and burial expense s, and paying off debt. 2) Medicaid Planning – the majority of persons considering Medicaid are “over-income” or “over-asset” or both, but still cannot afford their cost of care.

What is institutional Medicaid?

1) Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid – is an entitlement (anyone who is eligible will receive assistance) and is provided only in nursing homes. 2) Medicaid Waivers / Home and Community Based Services – Limited number of participants. Provided at home, adult day care, or in assisted living.

Does the Medically Needy Pathway help with Medicaid?

The Medically Needy Pathway does not assist one in spending down extra assets for Medicaid qualification. Said another way, if one meets the income requirements for Medicaid eligibility, but not the asset requirement, the above program cannot assist one in reducing their countable assets.

What Is MaineCare?

  • MaineCare provides free and low-costhealth insurance to Mainers who meet certain requirements, based on household composition and income. There are also additional options for people with disabilities and certain health conditions, young adults who have been in foster c…
See more on maine.gov

What Does It Cover?

  • MaineCare covers: 1. doctor visits, 2. emergencies, 3. substance use disorder treatment, 4. prescription drugs, and more.
See more on maine.gov

Next Steps

  • After you submit your application, you will be contacted if any additional documents or information is needed. You will then receive a written notice indicating whether you have been enrolled in the MaineCare program. Note: The Office for Family Independence is responsible for processing MaineCare applications and determining eligibility. Once enrolled, the Office of Main…
See more on maine.gov

MaineCare Information For Members

  • If you have question about MaineCare benefits, need help finding a provider, or have other questions, please visit the Office of MaineCare Servicesfor assistance.
See more on maine.gov

Paying Premiums Online

  • OFI has a new Online Payment Portal for individuals to make online payments for their MaineCare Premiums. The Portal went live on Monday, August 31st, 2020. The payment portal provides an efficient and secure way for premium payments to be made online, instead of having to send payment by mail each month. This portal serves as another option to make these payments and …
See more on maine.gov

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