Health Care

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Even if you don't qualify for MaineCare, your kids might!

Children and young adults (under 21) who recently lost MaineCare or who were not eligible in the past may now qualify for MaineCare coverage at a higher family income level than parents and adults. 

Children and young adults who meet household income guidelines can have MaineCare regardless of immigration status.

More information, including specific income eligiblity guidelines, is at MaineCare.gov/kids or you can take a quick glance at this flyer from Consumers for Affordable Health Care. 

You can download or order printed outreach materials (flyers, posters, and cards) about this change for free in English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Khmer, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, and Vietnamese here.

What you need to know about changes to MaineCare

Everyone with MaineCare will need to go through the renewal process in the next year to see if you are still eligible. You will need to:

  1. Update your address and contact information with DHHS. Visit MyMaineConnection.gov or call 1-855-797-4357 and select option 1.
  2. Be on the lookout for your renewal form. If you receive notices by mail, look for the envelope with the blue block. If you selected e-notices, make sure to check your spam folder and pay attention to your online portal messages.
  3. Return the completed form by mail or via MyMaineConnection.gov ASAP!

Stay Connected to Stay Covered. Learn more in our guide.

Learn more about the new dental benefit.

How do I get this benefit?  

If you have MaineCare, you do not need to do anything to get the new benefit. Dental care will be like other types of care already covered by MaineCare.  

If you think you may be eligible for MaineCare, you can apply at https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/programs-services/health-care-assistance. If you need help applying, you can call Consumers for Affordable Health Care at 1-800-965-7476.  

How do I find a dentist or other dental provider who accepts MaineCare?  

MaineCare Member Services has information about providers for all the types of health care MaineCare covers. Call MaineCare Member Services at 1-800-977-6740. TTY users, dial 711 (Maine Relay).  

The new benefit is new for providers, too. MaineCare has been working with providers to encourage more to accept MaineCare and they are also increasing the payments providers receive for dental care on July 1, 2022. However, it will take time for providers to learn about the new benefit and payment rates. Maine’s dental workforce needs to grow to meet the needs of all Mainers. For all these reasons, you may have to wait to be able to get in to see a dentist or other provider. We’ll continue to work with MaineCare and providers to try and address this challenge.  

What kind of services will be covered?  

This is a comprehensive benefit. You will be able to get cleanings, fillings, extractions, and dentures. For specific coverage questions, you can call MaineCare Member Services at 1-800-977-6740. TTY users, dial 711 (Maine Relay). 

On July 1, 2022, MaineCare began covering full dental care.

This change is due to a new law that was passed with support from many low-income people and people who understand the importance of oral health. The new benefit will include preventive care like cleanings, diagnostic care, and restorative care, like fillings and dentures.

Are you confused about how to get health insurance and what it will pay for? You’re not alone.

MaineCare is Maine’s name for Medicaid, a program that provides health insurance for low-income people. To get any kind of MaineCare you have to show that your income is below a certain level. Other factors, like your age and whether you are a parent, can affect your eligibility for MaineCare or other health insurance programs.

Adults with low income who didn’t qualify for MaineCare before may be eligible now thanks to Medicaid Expansion! If you think you might be eligible, call us for more information—or just apply! See how below.

If you don’t qualify for MaineCare because your income is too high, you may be able to get help paying for private health insurance through Maine’s Health Insurance Marketplace. Medicare is a federal program that provides health care coverage for people 65 and older and people of any age with a disability. You do not have to have low income to qualify for Medicare. But if you have low income you may qualify for help with the costs of Medicare, like premiums and co-pays. If you believe you are eligible for MaineCare but you have been denied, please call Maine Equal Justice at 626-7058, extension 205, or leave us a message.

Maine Equal Justice focuses its work on many of the issues that affect people’s daily lives – access to adequate health care, housing, transportation and childcare; food and income security; and higher education and training. Maine Equal Justice is a 501 c 3 nonprofit organization. Our EIN is 04-3346273. 
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