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Who Qualifies for Home Health Care Financial Assistance in Maine?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
Certain Maine Medicaid (MaineCare) recipients may be eligible for home health care financial assistance through the use of one of several home care waivers. To receive home health care services, it must be deemed medically necessary and the individual must qualify for one of several waivers, which may require assessments and applications.
Maine offers several waivers to assist with in-home care, such as the Medicaid Waiver for Elderly and Disabled Adults with Physical Disabilities, Consumer Directed Attendant Services and MaineCare Private Duty Nursing. These services are funded through MaineCare or state-funded programs to help older adults and adults with disabilities remain independent in their own home or community of choice.
How to Qualify and Apply for In-Home Services in Maine
To qualify for in-home services through MaineCare, individuals must complete an assessment and meet financial eligibility requirements. The assessment is designed to determine which services may be needed.
To apply, applicants need to apply for MaineCare Services using the Long-Term Care application. Once that application is completed, individuals must complete a functional assessment by Maine’s Assessing Services Agency. This assessment will involve several questions about what kind of help the applicant desires and their financial status to determine if they are eligible for any of the programs offered. If necessary, a face-to-face assessment may be required by the Assessing Services Agency. This assessment is free of charge and private.
What is Covered Under Maine’s Home Care?
Maine’s home care programs cover several services. These include services designed to provide in-home assistance with activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. The state programs also may cover personal care services and nursing services for those with medical needs for them. Additionally, Maine provides assistance with homemaker services, environmental modifications, assistive technology, respite and personal emergency response systems as needed.