Maine has extended its review to determine who’s eligible for MaineCare until the end of October with a renewed effort to reach those who may have missed out in 2023—even if they didn’t respond to earlier requests to provide the information needed to confirm their eligibility.
The state began reviewing eligibility in 2023 following the end of the federal public health emergency and successfully renewed coverage for 300,000 Mainers. About 9% lost their MaineCare coverage last year, but the state says it expects a higher percentage of the remaining 55,000 people will lose coverage, either thanks to higher wages or because some have moved out of state. Those folks are scheduled for renewal in August, September or October, according to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.
The state has enlisted help from providers through a new system that allows them to see their patients’ renewal date. So, at an appointment, you may see reminder posters in the waiting area and office staff might encourage you to renew during your visit.
If you have lost eligibility for MaineCare, you can sign up for health insurance through CoverMe.gov through a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). Even if you lost coverage in 2023, the state has extended the SEP through Dec. 31, so you can still get covered—and you may qualify for financial help.
What do I need to do?
There’s good news. So far, about 90% of those who no longer qualify for MaineCare have received financial assistance to help pay for monthly premiums through CoverMe.gov, either with premium tax credits or cost share reductions. If you are found ineligible, you will automatically receive information from CoverMe.gov to get you started.
You can also contact an assister or broker to help you sort through plans and health insurance carriers, and can find one by visiting CoverMe.gov. And if you’d like to contact Community Health Options directly, we’re happy to help you find a plan that meet your needs and help you understand the tax credits and cost share reductions available to you. Call (855) 624-6463, visit our website or email our benefits consultant for more information.
As winter approaches, kids have started bringing home coughs and sneezes from school and lots of folks are feeling a little off, maybe with a nagging tickle in their throats or an irritating cough. Could be the drier air as we start firing up our wood stoves. Or it could be a cold or some other virus, like the flu.
