How to Apply for MaineCare (Maine Medicaid) in 2026

MaineCare is Maine's Medicaid program that provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible residents including children, pregnant women, adults, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities. Medicaid in Maine is called MaineCare. Coverage is available to various low-income populations, and also to elderly or disabled residents who meet both income and asset limits. MaineCare is a state and federal program that provide free or low-cost health coverage for eligible low-income residents.

Eligibility is primarily based on household size and income, with children under 21 years of age qualifying at 305% of the federal poverty level (FPL) and Maine expanded Medicaid in early 2019 to cover adults under 65 with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level. Special categories include pregnant women, people with disabilities, and those needing long-term care services who must meet both income and asset limits.

MaineCare covers essential health benefits including doctor visits, hospital care, prescription medications, preventive care, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment. MaineCare covers the cost of doctor's visits, some prescription drugs, and family planning, among other services. For those needing long-term care, the program covers nursing home care, home health services, and community-based waiver programs.

When applying, gather all required documentation beforehand to expedite processing. The Office for Family Independence (OFI) is responsible for processing MaineCare applications and determining eligibility within 45 days. Coverage can be retroactive up to three months before application if eligible. For long-term care applicants, there's a 60-month look-back period for asset transfers, and income limits are higher with options for Qualified Income Trusts for excess income.