Bill > LD782

This bill amends Maine's MaineCare (the state's Medicaid program) financial eligibility requirements to expand access and increase asset and income thresholds. Specifically, the bill raises the income limit for qualified elderly or disabled persons and parents/caretaker relatives from 100% to 138% of the nonfarm income official poverty line, which will allow more low-income individuals and families to qualify for health coverage. The legislation also increases the age of eligibility for legally admitted noncitizens from under 21 to under 23 years old. Additionally, the bill significantly raises the maximum asset limits that individuals can have while still qualifying for MaineCare, increasing from $8,000 to $15,000 for an individual and from $12,000 to $25,000 for households with multiple people. The bill further directs the Department of Health and Human Services to establish asset limit rules for individuals working with a disabling condition, setting those limits at $15,000 for an individual and $25,000 for larger households. These changes aim to make healthcare more accessible to low-income and vulnerable populations in Maine by relaxing previous strict income and asset restrictions.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=782&snum=132