MaineCare Income Limits 2026: Full Eligibility Guide

Last Updated: March 2026 | Source: Maine DHHS & 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines

MaineCare is Maine’s Medicaid program. It gives free or low-cost health coverage to eligible residents.

In 2026, income limits increased after the new Federal Poverty Level (FPL) update in January 2026.

Here’s what this guide covers:

• In 2026, a single adult qualifies for MaineCare at $1,835/month (138% FPL)
• A family of four with children can earn up to $8,250/month (300% FPL)
• Elderly and disabled residents qualify at $1,330/month (100% FPL)
• Eligibility is based on age, household size, and the 2026 Federal Poverty Level
• Most adults have no asset limits — savings and property are not counted
• If your income is too high, Maine’s Spend Down option may still qualify you

2026 MaineCare Income Limits at a Glance

MaineCare uses the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines to set eligibility. Different groups have different income thresholds. Your household size matters too.

Estimated Monthly Income Limits by Household Size

The table below shows gross monthly income limits. These are effective as of March 1, 2026, before taxes are deducted.

Household Size	Adults (Ages 19–64)	Children (Ages 0–18)	Elderly/Disabled (65+)
1 Person	$1,835	N/A	$1,330
2 People	$2,489	$5,410	$1,804
3 People	$3,142	$6,830	$2,277
4 People	$3,795	$8,250	$2,750

Key:

• Adults (19–64): Based on 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
• Children (0–18): Based on 300% FPL via Cub Care/CHIP expansion
• Elderly/Disabled: Based on 100% FPL (standard eligibility; waivers may differ)

📌 These figures represent gross income before taxes. Always verify with Maine DHHS for your exact situation.

To see how Maine compares to other states, check the full Medicaid income limits by state 2026 breakdown.

Coverage Categories and Eligibility Rules

MaineCare has three main coverage groups. Each group has its own income rules. Knowing your group helps you apply correctly.

1. Expansion Adults (Ages 19–64)

Most working-age adults apply under the Medicaid Expansion category. This group uses MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income) rules.

Key facts for this group:

• Income Limit: 138% of FPL ($1,835/month for one person)
• Asset Limit: None — no cap on savings, vehicles, or property
• Coverage Includes: Doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital stays, mental health, and more
• Who qualifies: Adults aged 19–64 who are not receiving Medicare or disability benefits

This is the most common MaineCare category. If you are between 19 and 64, this is likely your group.

2. Children — Cub Care and CHIP (Ages 0–18)

Maine offers some of the highest income thresholds for children in the entire country. This ensures most kids in Maine can get health coverage.

Key facts for children:

• Income Limit: Up to 300% FPL
• Family of 4 Limit: $8,250 per month
• Program: Cub Care (MaineCare for kids) and CHIP expansion
• Coverage Includes: Preventive care, dental, vision, immunizations, and specialists

Even if your family earns a moderate income, your child may still qualify. Always check your household size against the table above.

3. Elderly (65+) and Disabled Individuals

This group follows Non-MAGI rules. That means both income and assets are reviewed. However, recent Maine legislation has relaxed asset rules significantly.

Key facts for this group:

• Income Limit: 100% FPL ($1,330/month for one person)
• Asset Tests: Still apply — but with important exemptions (see below)
• Coverage Includes: Long-term care, nursing facility services, home health, prescriptions

If you are 65 or older, or receive SSI or SSDI, you may qualify under this category.

Asset Limits and Exceptions for 2026

Income is the main factor for most applicants. But for elderly and disabled applicants, assets also matter. Here is what counts and what does not.

What Is Usually Exempt (Not Counted)

• Primary Home: Exempt if home equity is under approximately $713,000, or if a spouse lives there
• One Vehicle: Usually one car per household is fully exempt
• Personal belongings: Furniture, clothing, and household items are not counted
• Burial funds: Small amounts set aside for funeral costs may be exempt

What May Be Counted

• Savings accounts and checking accounts
• Stocks, bonds, and investment accounts
• Second properties or vacation homes
• Additional vehicles beyond the first

✅ Important: If you are applying as a standard adult aged 19–64 without a disability determination, assets are not counted at all. The asset test only applies to the elderly and disabled group.

The “Spend Down” Option — What It Means

If your income is slightly above the limit, you may still qualify through MaineCare’s Spend Down program. This option works like a deductible system.

How the Spend Down Works

1. Maine calculates how much your income exceeds the MaineCare limit
2. That excess becomes your Spend Down deductible over a 6-month period
3. Once you pay medical bills equal to that deductible amount, full MaineCare coverage activates
4. Coverage continues for the rest of the 6-month window

Example:
If your income is $200 over the limit each month, your 6-month deductible is approximately $1,200. Once your medical bills reach $1,200, MaineCare covers everything else in that period.

This is a valuable option for people with high medical costs who earn just over the income threshold.

2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines — The Baseline Numbers

MaineCare income limits are calculated as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Here are the official 2026 base numbers used for all calculations:

Household Size	Annual Income	Monthly Income
1 Person	$15,960/year	$1,330/month
2 People	$21,640/year	$1,804/month
3 People	$27,320/year	$2,277/month
4 People	$33,000/year	$2,750/month

These numbers are set by the federal government each January. Maine then applies its own percentages (138%, 300%, etc.) to determine exact program limits.

Not sure if your income qualifies? Use the free Medicaid eligibility calculator 2026 to check your status instantly.

What MaineCare Covers in 2026

MaineCare provides comprehensive health coverage. Here is a quick overview of what is included:

• ✅ Doctor and specialist visits
• ✅ Hospital stays (inpatient and outpatient)
• ✅ Prescription drugs
• ✅ Mental health and substance use treatment
• ✅ Dental care (for children; limited for adults)
• ✅ Vision and hearing services
• ✅ Preventive care and screenings
• ✅ Long-term care and nursing home services (for eligible elderly/disabled)

Want to understand how providers are reimbursed? Review the Medicaid fee schedule 2026 for detailed rate information.

How to Apply for MaineCare in 2026

If your income fits the 2026 guidelines, apply as soon as possible. Coverage can start quickly once approved.

Your Application Options

Option 1 — Apply Online (Fastest)
Visit the official Maine state portal:
🔗 My Maine Connection — Apply Online

Option 2 — Apply by Phone
Call Maine DHHS directly:
📞 1-855-797-4357
(Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)

Option 3 — Apply in Person
Visit your local DHHS office and bring proof of income, identity, and Maine residency.

What Documents to Have Ready

• Photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport)
• Proof of Maine residency (utility bill, lease, or mail)
• Proof of income (pay stubs, tax return, or employer letter)
• Social Security numbers for all household members
• Immigration documents (if applicable)

Frequently Asked Questions — MaineCare 2026

Official Sources

• 🔗 Maine DHHS — MaineCare Program
• 🔗 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines — HHS.gov

Last Updated: March 2026 | Information based on 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines and Maine DHHS official data. Always verify current limits directly with Maine DHHS before applying.