A guide for seniors, families & caregivers — Updated 2026
If you are a senior living in Maine — or a family member helping a loved one plan for long-term care — understanding MaineCare, the state’s Medicaid program, is one of the most important steps you can take. MaineCare can help cover nursing home care, home health services, prescription drugs, and much more. This guide breaks down who qualifies, what benefits are available, and how to apply.
What Is MaineCare?
MaineCare is Maine’s Medicaid program, jointly funded by the state of Maine and the federal government. For seniors aged 65 and older, MaineCare can cover a wide range of health and long-term care services that Medicare alone does not fully pay for. It is a needs-based program, meaning eligibility depends on both your income and your assets (resources).
Get the Complete Medicaid Guide for Seniors →
MaineCare Benefits for Seniors
Depending on the program you qualify for, MaineCare may cover:
- Nursing facility (nursing home) care
- Home and community-based services through waiver programs
- Personal care attendant services
- Prescription drugs
- Doctor visits, hospital stays, and outpatient care
- Dental and vision services (limited)
- Adult day health services
- Medicare cost-sharing assistance through Medicare Savings Programs
MaineCare Eligibility for Seniors (2026)
To qualify for MaineCare as a senior, you must meet requirements related to age, residency, income, and assets. Maine residents must be U.S. citizens or qualified immigrants and must be at least 65 years old (or meet disability criteria).
| Program | Income Limit (Monthly) | Asset Limit |
|---|---|---|
| MaineCare for Nursing Home Care (Individual) | Income applied toward cost of care* | $2,000 |
| MaineCare for Nursing Home Care (Couple) | Income applied toward cost of care* | Up to ~$154,140 (community spouse) |
| Home & Community-Based Waiver (Individual) | ~$2,829/month | $2,000 |
| Medicare Savings Program (QMB) | Up to ~$1,255/month | $9,660 (individual) |
*For nursing home care, Maine has no strict income cap — instead, most of a resident’s income goes toward the cost of care, and MaineCare covers the remainder. Figures are approximate 2026 estimates; confirm current limits with Maine DHHS.
What Counts as an Asset?
Assets (also called countable resources) include bank accounts, investments, second homes, and most property. However, certain assets are exempt, including:
- Your primary home (if you or your spouse lives there, or you intend to return)
- One vehicle
- Personal belongings and household goods
- Prepaid funeral or burial plans (up to certain limits)
- Term life insurance policies
Maine also has Medicaid estate recovery rules, meaning the state may seek reimbursement from your estate after death for certain long-term care costs paid by MaineCare. Careful planning with an elder law attorney is strongly recommended.
MaineCare Home and Community-Based Waiver Programs
Many seniors prefer to remain at home rather than move to a nursing facility. Maine offers the Home and Community Benefits (HCB) Waiver for elderly and adults with disabilities. This program provides services such as personal care, adult day services, care coordination, and home modifications — allowing seniors to live independently in the community.
To qualify for the HCB Waiver, applicants must meet a nursing facility level of care determination in addition to financial eligibility requirements.
How to Apply for MaineCare
- Gather documents: Collect proof of age, identity, Maine residency, income (Social Security statements, pension letters), and asset information (bank statements, property records).
- Apply online: Visit the Maine DHHS MaineCare page and use the online portal, or visit your local DH
Last Updated on 22 October 2026 by ingmin