While one’s home is generally exempt from Medicaid’s asset limit, it is not exempt from Medicaid’s estate recovery program. Following a long-term care Medicaid beneficiary’s death, Maine’s Medicaid agency attempts reimbursement of care costs through whatever estate of the deceased still remains. This is often the home.
Full Answer
What to do if you lose your health insurance through MaineCare?
Then, if you really are losing your coverage, our HelpLine staff can talk you through your options, from discounted health insurance through the Marketplace to helpful programs like Hospital Free Care or prescription drug programs, which may cover some or all of your health care costs. Can people who were denied in the past get MaineCare now?
What happens if I am over the income limits for MaineCare?
*Add 1 to household size for each baby expected. You may still qualify even if you are over the income limits. Please refer to the eligibility guidelines (PDF) for detailed information about income limits for different MaineCare coverage categories.
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.
Where can I get help applying for 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. *Add 1 to family size, or more if pregnant with multiples.
Can you use Medicare Supplement out of state?
In many cases, you can stay with your current Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan even if you're moving out of state as long as you stay enrolled in Original Medicare. Medigap benefits can be used to cover costs from any provider that accepts Medicare, regardless of the state.
Can you go back to Medicare Supplement after Medicare Advantage?
Once you've left your Medicare Advantage plan and enrolled in Original Medicare, you are generally eligible to apply for a Medicare Supplement insurance plan. Note, however, that in most cases, when you switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare, you lose your “guaranteed-issue” rights for Medigap.
What states allow you to change Medicare Supplement plans without underwriting?
In some states, there are rules that allow you to change Medicare supplement plans without underwriting. This includes California, Washington, Oregon, Missouri and a couple others. Call us for details on when you can change your plan in that state to take advantage of the “no underwriting” rules.
When can someone enroll in a Medicare Supplement without the chance for denial premium increase or exclusions due to pre existing conditions?
For up to six months after your Medicare Supplement plan begins, your new plan can choose not to cover its portion of payments for preexisting conditions that were treated or diagnosed within six months of the start of the policy.
Can you cancel a Medicare Supplement plans at any time?
You can cancel your Medicare Supplement insurance plan anytime by calling your insurance company. Keep in mind that when you cancel your plan, you may not be able to get it back and you may not be able to get another Medicare Supplement plan without being subjected to medical underwriting.
Can you switch from Medicare Supplement to advantage?
If you currently have Medicare, you can switch to Medicare Advantage (Part C) from Original Medicare (Parts A & B), or vice versa, during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period. If you want to make a switch though, it may also require some additional decisions.
Can you switch Medigap plans without underwriting?
During your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, you can sign up for or change Medigap plans without going through medical underwriting. This means that insurance companies cannot deny you coverage or charge you more for a policy based on your health or pre-existing conditions.
Can you change Medicare Supplement plans with pre-existing conditions?
You can change your Medicare Supplement plan at any time. However, if you're outside of your Medigap Open Enrollment Period or don't have guaranteed issue rights at the time, you'll have to answer underwriting questions and could face denial or increased monthly premiums due to pre-existing conditions.
Which states do not allow Medicare excess charges?
Eight States Prohibit Medicare Excess ChargesConnecticut,Massachusetts,Minnesota,New York,Ohio,Pennsylvania,Rhode Island, and.Vermont.
Can I be denied health insurance because of a pre-existing condition?
Health insurance companies cannot refuse coverage or charge you more just because you have a “pre-existing condition” — that is, a health problem you had before the date that new health coverage starts.
Can someone be denied Medicare?
Medicare can deny coverage if a person has exhausted their benefits or if they do not cover the item or service. When Medicare denies coverage, they will send a denial letter. A person can appeal the decision, and the denial letter usually includes details on how to file an appeal.
Is High Blood Pressure a pre-existing condition for health insurance?
High blood pressure (also called hypertension) is a common pre-existing medical condition, and can be covered by your policy - but you need to meet the conditions below.
How to apply for medicaid in Maine?
Click here to find the office nearest you. In addition, persons can download an application here. There is an application for Regular Medicaid (MaineCare Application), as well as an application for nursing home Medicaid and HCBS Medicaid Waivers (Application for Long Term Care MaineCare ). Completed applications can be dropped off at one’s local DHHS OFI office. Alternatively, applicants can return the completed application by fax or mail. The appropriate fax number and mailing address can be found on the application.
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.
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 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.
Can Maine seniors get medicaid?
Before submitting a Medicaid application, it is vital that Maine seniors be certain that all eligibility requirements, as discussed above, are met. If one does not meet the income and / or asset limit (s), or are unsure if the eligibility criteria is met, Medicaid planning is strongly suggested. The Medicaid application process can be complicated, and if not done correctly, can result in a denial or delay of benefits. For more information on applying for long-term care Medicaid, click here.
Is there a free test for Medicaid eligibility?
The American Council on Aging now offers a free, quick and easy Medicaid eligibility test for seniors.
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 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)
How to contact the Health Insurance Marketplace?
Check out the Health Insurance Marketplace and Other Helpful Programs sections of this Guide or call the HelpLine at 1-800-965-7476 for more information.
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.
Does income count against you?
Only income is looked at for eligibility. Not all income will count against you.
How to get help with Maine enrollment?
This help is free, and available all over Maine. Find a certified Maine Enrollment Assister by calling our HelpLine at 1-800-965-7476, or visiting https://www.coverme.gov/find-help-near-you.
What is the number to call for Maine health insurance?
If you do not qualify for MaineCare or Marketplace discounts and cannot afford other private insurance, call our HelpLine (1-800-965-7476) or check out our Guide to Maine Health Care to identify programs that may help with cost for prescriptions drugs, primary and preventive care, emergency care and more.
How to contact Maine Health Care?
Many families qualify for free or low-cost MaineCare, There are different income guidelines for parents, other adults, children. Call our HelpLine (1-800-965-7476) or check out our Guide to Maine Health Care for specific information on your options.
How to get an estimate on health insurance?
To get an estimate about how much a plan will cost you, call our HelpLine at 1-800-965-7476, or visit Healthcare.gov to use an online premium estimator tool. Learn more about the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Do assets count against you in Maine?
Assets only count if you have a disability or are 65 or older, but even then, many assets do NOT count against you. You can have savings and retirement, a home, land the home sits on, cars and many other assets and still get MaineCare! Learn more about what assets are allowed.
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.
When does a short term plan start?
A short-term plan can have an effective date as early as the day after you apply , and short-term plans are available in nearly every state. Be aware, however, that they generally don’t cover any pre-existing conditions, and they can also reject your application if you have significant pre-existing medical conditions.
Can you enroll in a short term plan?
If you’re concerned about the possibility of having a gap in coverage, you could enroll in a short-term plan to cover you until your new plan takes effect. Short-term plans are not regulated by the ACA, and they don’t count as minimum essential coverage. But they’re specifically designed to cover short gaps in coverage, and they’re perfect for a situation in which your new plan will be taking effect within a few weeks and you only need “just in case” coverage in the meantime.
Does moving to a new state affect your health insurance?
In every state, health insurance is guaranteed-issue for all applicants during open enrollment and special enrollment periods — and moving to a new state will trigger a special enrollment period as long as you already had coverage before your move. And the price is the same regardless of whether you have pre-existing conditions. Premiums can vary based on age, zip code, and tobacco use, so you might find that coverage in your new area is priced differently. But if you’re eligible for premium subsidies, the subsidy amount will adjust to reflect the cost of the benchmark plan in your new area.
Can you move insurance mid month?
The special enrollment period for a move is only available if you already had coverage in your prior location. Since coverage cannot start or end mid-month, people who move mid-month typically just keep their old plan in place until the end of the month, and enroll in a new plan in the new area with coverage starting the following month. The old plan might provide coverage only for emergencies in the new area, depending on the network and how far you’ve moved.
Is health insurance underwritten?
But prior to 2014, health insurance was often an obstacle for people who wanted to move to a new state. In all but five states, individual market coverage was medically underwritten, so people with pre-existing conditions often found it difficult, expensive, or impossible to enroll in new coverage if they were going to need to purchase their own ...
Can you buy health insurance in the individual market?
But if you buy your health insurance in the individual market, you’ll have to purchase a new plan. Individual market coverage is guaranteed-issue thanks to Obamacare, but it’s only available for purchase during open enrollment, and during special enrollment periods triggered by qualifying events.
Can you have Medicaid in two states at once?
The main problem you’re going to run into is having to prove your residency each time you move back and forth. You can’t have Medicaid from two states at once, so you need to cancel one state’s Medicaid coverage for the other’s to take effect, but you don’t want to do that until you’ve confirmed with the new state that you’re meeting the residency rules.
When will P-EBT be issued in Maine?
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Family Independence, has been approved by the Food and Nutrition Service to issue Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) benefits to qualified children. Children from ages 0 – 5 will receive P-EBT benefits retroactively on a month-by-month basis from October 2020 through June 2021 if they were both in a SNAP eligible household and one school in their county was not utilizing a predominately in-person learning model. Children who were eligible for the USDA National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program will receive benefits retroactively from September 2020 through June 2021 on a month-by-month basis if their school was utilizing a predominately hybrid or fully remote learning model. The benefit for fully remote learning models is ~ $119 per child per month. The benefit for a hybrid learning model is ~ $59 per child per month. Benefits for September 2020 through June 2021 were issued from June 15th to August 17th 2021. Current and recent SNAP recipients will receive P-EBT on their EBT card. P-EBT benefits for other children will be sent to each child on a P-EBT card.
When will P-EBT be retroactive?
Children from ages 0 – 5 will receive P-EBT benefits retroactively on a month-by-month basis from October 2020 through June 2021 if they were both in a SNAP eligible household and one school in their county was not utilizing a predominately in-person learning model.
How long does it take for a snap EBT card to be delivered?
If you do not have a card you can call 1-800-477-7428 to request a new card. Please note that due to postal delays cards may take 14 days or longer to be delivered.
What is a snap supplement?
Food Supplement (also known as SNAP) provides a monthly benefit to help low-income households purchase nutritious food.
Is Maine a summer P-EBT state?
Maine has been approved to run a summer P-EBT program. Details will be provided when available.
Can you destroy a P-EBT card?
Please destroy the card. P-EBT cards are for the individual child. It a prosecutable offense to give the card and/or benefits away.
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 care, and those who need long-term care.
What Does It Cover?
- MaineCare covers: 1. doctor visits, 2. emergencies, 3. substance use disorder treatment, 4. prescription drugs, and more.
Who Is Eligible?
- You may be eligible for MaineCare if your monthly income (before you pay taxes) is up to:
*Add 1 to household size for each baby expected. You may still qualify even if you are over the income limits. Please refer to the eligibility guidelines (PDF)for detailed information about income limits for different MaineCare coverage categories. Even if you do not qualify for MaineCare, yo…
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…
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.
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 …
Summary
Healthcare
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Funding
Components
Examples
- Make note, Maine is unique in that the state allows a single individual an exemption of $8,000 in liquid assets and married couples an exemption of $12,000. (Liquid assets include checking and savings accounts). These amounts are in addition to the Medicaid asset limit of $2,000 for a single individual and $3,000 for a married couple. Hence, the $1...
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Benefits