DHHS Cuts MaineCare Benefits for Non-Disabled Adults without Children

Unfortunately, major cuts are being rolled out for the so-called "noncategorical" group in MaineCare: adults, 21 - 64, who do not have minor children at home and are not disabled. New enrollment into this group was frozen March 1st and major health services will be cut from their benefit package (probably by May 1st). We will be fighting to be sure we can get as much more coverage for this group as possible. 

In the meantime, to help this group, please be sure to identify anyone you know or serve who is:

• 21 - 64, 
• is not on SSI or SSDI, 
• does not have minor children at home, and 
• is on MaineCare. 

If they have not already been determined disabled by the MaineCare program, and you believe that they might fit the disability category of MaineCare (that is they are or are likely to be unable to work full time for at least 12 months, looking forward and/or backward in time), then please have them obtain a MaineCare disability application from their local DHHS office, fill it out and send it in. Unlike the "noncategorical" population, those in other categories of MaineCare, including disability, will receive the full MaineCare benefit.

Get more detailed information on this difficult situation.

Posted March 31, 2005