Medicaid Home Care Benefits

Medicaid &
Home Care
in Maine

Medicaid may cover essential home health and personal care services for eligible older adults and adults with disabilities. Our team helps Maine residents understand their benefits, verify eligibility, and access quality in-home care without the confusion.

  • Low or No Out-of-Pocket Cost
  • Personal Care Covered
  • Skilled Care at Home
  • We Handle the Paperwork

*Eligibility is based on income, assets, and functional need as determined by Medicaid.

Care coordinator reviewing Medicaid documents with senior patient

Medicaid-Knowledgeable Team

We help maximize your benefits

What Is Medicaid Home Health Care?

Medicaid in Maine is administered by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS). Eligible older adults and adults with physical disabilities may receive covered home health and personal care services — including skilled nursing, personal care assistance, and home support — at little to no cost when provided by an approved agency like Cottage Home Care Maine.

Low Cost

Little to no out-of-pocket cost for eligible Medicaid beneficiaries

Ongoing

Ongoing home care support as long as eligibility and functional need are met

100%

Of Cottage Home Care Maine clients assisted with benefit verification

Coverage Details

What Medicaid Covers — and What It Doesn't

Medicaid covers a broader range of home care services than Medicaid, including personal care. Understanding the difference between covered and non-covered services helps you plan the right care combination.

✓ Covered

Personal Care Services (PCA)

Assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and mobility — a core Medicaid benefit not typically covered by Medicaid alone.

✓ Covered

Home Health Aide Services

In-home support with personal care and health-related tasks provided alongside nursing or therapy services.

✓ Covered

Physical & Occupational Therapy

Rehabilitation and functional support to restore or maintain mobility, strength, and daily living skills in the home setting.

✓ Covered

Adult Day Services

Community-based structured programs offering social, recreational, and therapeutic activities, meals, supervision, and personal care for Medicaid-eligible adults.

✓ Covered

Medical Social Services

Counseling and assistance connecting clients to community resources and supports through Area Agencies on Aging and OADS programs.

✗ Not Covered

24/7 Custodial Care Only

Round-the-clock non-medical custodial care without functional or medical need documentation is generally not covered by Medicaid without waiver authorization.

✗ Not Covered

Skilled Nursing Care

Wound care, injections, IV therapy, monitoring of serious illness, post-surgical care, and health education provided by a registered nurse.

✗ Not Covered

Non-Approved Private Services

Services provided by non-approved providers or outside the scope of Medicaid authorization are not covered, but may be available through Private Pay.

Need services not covered by Medicaid? Services outside your Medicaid authorization (companion care, 24-hour personal care, housekeeping) may be available through our Private Pay program to fill gaps in your care plan.

Eligibility

Do You Qualify for Medicaid Home Care?

Medicaid home care eligibility is based on financial need and functional requirements. Our team helps verify your eligibility at no cost.

1

You must meet Medicaid income and asset limits

Medicaid eligibility is based on financial criteria including income and assets. Our team can help you understand if you qualify.

2

You must have a functional need for home care

A medical assessment determines your need for assistance with activities of daily living or skilled care due to age, disability, or medical condition.

3

A physician or care manager authorizes your services

Your doctor or Medicaid case manager documents your care needs and approves the appropriate level of home care services.

4

Services are provided by a Medicaid-approved agency

Cottage Home Care Maine works with Medicaid-approved providers to deliver your authorized in-home care services.

Home Care Waiver Programs

Medicaid Waiver Programs & Home Care

Maine's OADS administers several Medicaid waiver programs that allow eligible older adults and adults with disabilities to receive expanded home and community-based services as an alternative to nursing facility placement.

  • We verify your specific Medicaid waiver eligibility at no cost
  • Waivers may cover personal care, homemaking, and respite
  • Area Agencies on Aging can connect you to waiver programs
  • Care partner and respite supports may be available
  • We work with OADS and case managers statewide
Ask About Medicaid Waivers
Care coordinator reviewing a Medicaid home care plan with a family

Standard Medicaid Home Care

  • Skilled nursing care
  • Personal care assistance (PCA)
  • Home health aide services
  • Physical & occupational therapy
  • Low or no copay for eligible clients

Medicaid Waiver Programs

  • Everything in standard Medicaid
  • May add homemaking services
  • Respite care for care partners
  • Adult day services
  • Expanded personal care hours
  • Varies by waiver program
Free Benefits Counseling

Maine's Area Agencies on Aging

Maine's five Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), overseen by the Maine DHHS Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS), serve as one-stop shops to help older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their care partners navigate Medicaid, home care options, and community-based services.

  • Free guidance on Medicaid eligibility and enrollment
  • Help understanding home care and waiver program options
  • Assistance connecting to OADS programs and resources
  • Care partner and respite support information
  • Available statewide — in-person and by phone

Contact Maine OADS

(207) 287-9200 (OADS main line)
Maine DHHS Office of Aging and Disability Services, 109 Capitol Street, Augusta, ME 04333

Cottage Home Care Maine works alongside OADS and Area Agencies on Aging to ensure our clients fully understand and maximize their Medicaid home care benefits.

Ask Us About Medicaid Options
FAQ

Medicaid Questions Answered

Ready to Use Your Medicaid Benefits?

Our care coordinators will verify your Medicaid coverage, explain what's included, and create a personalized home care plan — all at no cost to you.

Also explore our Private Pay options for services not covered by Medicaid.