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Maine · checked September 2026
How Maine helps pay for long-term care, who to call when you need help or something's wrong, and how to check a facility before you sign.
The first question
Yes, for the care. Residential Care Services (MaineCare Section 97, Private Non-Medical Institution services) helps pay for care in assisted living. Rent and meals are usually still paid by the resident, often from Social Security.
Maine's Medicaid rules for long-term care, and the programs that pay for care outside a nursing home.
Ask the state Medicaid office
Legal Services for Maine Elders says MaineCare can cover nursing care if total monthly income is less than the monthly cost of that care. Ask MaineCare for the current dollar figures.
$10,000
Single person: up to $8,000 in savings plus $2,000 of other property. Married couple: up to $12,000. The spouse who stays at home can keep a share of savings. Figures from Legal Services for Maine Elders. Confirm with the state Medicaid office before relying on it.
We couldn't confirm whether this state uses a Miller trust or a spend-down. Ask the Medicaid office or an elder law attorney.
Look-back on gifts and transfers: 60 months.
Apply for MaineCare
Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office for Family Independence
MaineCare pays for care services in licensed residential care (assisted housing) facilities for people who pass a financial check and a free in-person functional assessment. Fill out the MaineCare long-term care application, then call the assessing agency.
Waitlist: No waiting list information on the DHHS page.
A MaineCare program that pays for in-home help so an older or disabled adult who needs nursing home level care can stay at home. Start with the MaineCare long-term care application and a free functional assessment.
Waitlist: Ask whether there's a waitlist when you call.
A MaineCare service where the person hires and directs their own personal care attendant at home.
A state-funded (not Medicaid) home care program for older and disabled adults who need help at home to avoid or delay a nursing home. Ask your local Aging and Disability Resource Center.
Help with housework and errands at home, funded by the state and MaineCare, run through Catholic Charities of Maine.
We didn't find any PACE programs operating in Maine.
Free, and on your side. Start with the aging office if you don't know where to begin.
The state's aging office and its local agencies explain your options, screen for programs and help with applications.
A free, independent advocate for residents of nursing homes and assisted living. Call about any problem with care, rights, billing or a discharge.
You don't need proof to report. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
24/7
Unbiased Medicare help from counselors who don't sell anything: plans, bills, appeals, and programs that lower costs.
Help spotting and reporting Medicare fraud, billing errors and scams.
In Maine, assisted living is licensed as: Assisted Housing (Residential Care Facilities and Assisted Living Programs). Read inspection reports before you sign anything.
Confirm a community's license here, and ask the agency how to see its inspection reports.
File a complaint
Medicare rates every nursing home on staffing, inspections and quality, with full inspection reports.
State veterans homes are often far cheaper than private care for eligible veterans and, in many states, their spouses.
Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services
Free legal help for older adults on issues like benefits, housing, powers of attorney and elder abuse.
Can a family member be paid to provide care?
MaineCare has a consumer-directed attendant program (Section 12) where the person hires their own attendant. Ask your Area Agency on Aging whether a family member can be the paid attendant.
Help for families caring for an older person or anyone living with dementia: information, counseling, training, support groups, and short breaks (respite) at home or away.
State-funded respite for families caring for someone with Alzheimer's or another dementia, arranged through your local Area Agency on Aging.
Maine's state-funded respite program is aimed at families caring for someone with Alzheimer's or a related dementia. Call your local Aging and Disability Resource Center to apply.
One of Maine's three facility-based long-term care options, alongside residential care and nursing homes. It provides support services to people living in their own apartments in certain housing sites.
Free help for older and disabled Mainers appealing a Medicare drug plan denial.
Yes, for the care part. In Maine, Residential Care Services (MaineCare Section 97, Private Non-Medical Institution services) can pay for care in assisted living. Rent and meals are generally paid by the resident.
$10,000 for a single person. Single person: up to $8,000 in savings plus $2,000 of other property. Married couple: up to $12,000. The spouse who stays at home can keep a share of savings. Figures from Legal Services for Maine Elders. Confirm with the state Medicaid office before relying on it.
The Maine Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program: (800) 499-0229. It's free and independent.
Researched from 35 sources, official pages first. Last checked .