Paying for care

Maine Medicaid for Nursing Home Care (2026)

In Maine, nursing home Medicaid is called MaineCare and is run by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. Here are the rules that decide who qualifies, in plain English, with links to the official sources.

Asset limit$2,000

Maine also lets a single person keep up to $8,000 more in savings, so the practical limit can be about $10,000.

Income ruleNo firm limit

Income above the limit goes toward the cost of care (a “spend-down”), and Medicaid pays the rest.

Personal needs allowance$40 a month

What the resident keeps each month for personal items. Most other income goes to the nursing home.

Look-back period5 years

Gifts or transfers for less than fair value in this window can delay coverage.

Figures for 2026. Checked against official sources October 2026.

If the applicant is married

Federal “spousal impoverishment” rules protect the spouse who stays at home, so they are not left without money.

Savings the at-home spouse can keep: between $32,532 and $162,660 in 2026, depending on how Maine applies the rule and the couple’s total assets.
Monthly income for the at-home spouse: at least $2,705 a month and up to $4,066.50, topped up from the resident’s income if needed.
The home: usually protected while a spouse lives there. Without a spouse at home, equity above $752,000 (up to $1,130,000 in some states) can make an applicant ineligible.

How to apply

Start early. States must decide most applications within 45 days, but missing paperwork often makes it longer. Ask whether coverage can be backdated to the months before you applied.
Gather records: ID, Medicare and insurance cards, proof of income, and bank and investment statements (often for the full look-back period).
Apply with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services: official application page, or call 1-855-797-4357.
Ask the nursing home for help. Most have a business office or social worker who handles Medicaid applications every week.

Good to know in Maine

Maine does not use income trusts. A resident whose income is above the usual limit can generally still qualify if their income is less than the cost of nursing home care, but nearly all of it goes to the home. Maine's $40 personal needs allowance is one of the lowest in the country.

Nursing homes in Maine that accept Medicaid

78 of the 78 nursing homes in Maine on Medicare’s list accept Medicaid. Medicaid beds can be limited, so ask each home whether it has one available and whether it will keep a resident who moves from private pay to Medicaid.

Find homes that accept Medicaid in Maine → All nursing homes in Maine Best-rated homes in Maine

Free help

The Maine Long-Term Care Ombudsman (1-800-499-0229) helps nursing home residents and families with problems, including Medicaid admissions and discharges, at no cost. For planning around a home, savings or a spouse, a certified elder law attorney can advise on what is allowed.

Questions about Medicaid in Maine

Does Medicaid pay for nursing homes in Maine?

Yes. MaineCare pays for long-term nursing home care for people who need that level of care and meet the income and asset rules. Medicare, by contrast, covers only short rehab stays after a hospital admission.

How much money can you have to qualify for Medicaid in Maine?

A single applicant can have up to $2,000 in countable assets (2026 figure). The home, one car and personal belongings usually do not count.

What is the Medicaid look-back period in Maine?

60 months. Gifts or sales below value during that time can cause a period when Medicaid will not pay for care.

How much income does a nursing home resident on Medicaid keep in Maine?

$40 a month for personal needs. Most other income goes toward the cost of care, after any allowance for a spouse at home.

Sources

This page explains the general rules and is not legal or financial advice. Medicaid rules change, and each case depends on the details: confirm with the state agency before making decisions. Medicare vs. Medicaid · Nursing home cost planner · VA benefits for veterans