Assisted Living in Maine

by, Senior Advice

Approximately 1,344,212 people call the state of Maine home, and about one in five residents are aged 65 and older. While the overall state population is expected to remain relatively stable in the next few years, the number of seniors is predicted to jump to 351,880 by 2026 up from 257,499 in 2016.

According to the 2019 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the average monthly cost of assisted living care in Maine is $5,169, which is $1,118 higher than the national average of $4,051.

This guide provides in-depth information on assisted living costs in Maine and how those costs compare to other long-term care services for seniors. Readers will also learn about the various financial assistance programs for older adults who need assisted living care as well as state rules and regulations that govern these facilities.

SeniorAdvice's Guide to Assisted Living in Maine

Maine currently has a SeniorScore of 68%, which is 4% below the national average. The SeniorScore is compiled from more than 100 data points analyzing variables that impact quality of life, including access to health care, the cost of assisted living, life expectancy and finances.

Maine's quality of life ranking is 57%, and this number is relatively low largely due to the climate. Maine's long, wet winters and relatively short summers reduce the quality of life score although the state ranks well for its exceptionally good public schools and above-average graduation rates.

Health care in Maine is considered average, and the overall score for health and safety is 65%. There's an average number of hospitals, long-term care facilities, Medicare-registered providers and home health care providers in Maine, and the life expectancy is slightly higher than the national average at 79.2 years. However, the property crime rate is relatively high, and that has a negative impact on the overall SeniorScore.

Maine's average state income tax of 5.07% is much higher than the national average of 3.38%, and that can mean seniors who rely on investment income will pay more in income tax here than they would in states with low or no state income tax. The average sales tax in Maine is 5.49%, which is significantly below the national average of 6.97%.

Assisted Living Costs in Maine

As a Maine resident, you can expect to pay an estimated $5,865 per month for care in an assisted living facility. Rates in the state are much higher than the national average of $4,500 but lower than in the bordering state of New Hampshire where assisted living residents pay $6,053 per month. Costs in other parts of the Northeast, such as Vermont ($5,250) and Connecticut ($5,129), are lower than in Maine. However, Massachusetts' average of $6,500 is $635 higher than Maine.

• Maine: $5,865
• The United States: $4,500
• New Hampshire: $6,053
• Vermont: $5,250
• Massachusetts: $6,500
• Connecticut: $5,129

The Cost of Assisted Living in Maine’s Top Cities

The average costs for assisted living in Maine’s cities vary greatly. The lowest rate of $4,750 is in Bangor, while the highest cost can be found in Portland where seniors pay $6,525 each month for their residential care. Costs in Lewiston are nearly $400 below the state’s average. In nearby cities that are across state lines, such as Manchester, New Hampshire, ($8,061) and Boston, Massachusetts, ($6,819) assisted living facilities charge much more than the Maine average.

• Bangor: $4,750
• Lewiston: $5,484
• Portland: $6,525
• Manchester, NH: $8,061
• Boston, MA: $6,819

Senior Care Cost Comparison in Maine

Older Maine residents have several options for their long-term care needs. Receiving care at home from an in-home caregiver or a home health aide costs around $5,720 per month, making this option more affordable than assisted living. Nursing homes are residential care units for frail seniors who need help with almost all aspects of daily living. The median rate for a semiprivate room is $10,494. Adult day health care providers in Maine charge, on average, $2,600 per month.

• Assisted Living: $5,865
• In-Home Care: $5,720
• Home Health Care: $5,720
• Adult Day Care: $2,600
• Nursing Home Care: $10,494

Does Medicaid Cover Assisted Living in Maine?

Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services oversees the state’s Medicaid program, which is known as MaineCare. Income-qualifying seniors can get the cost of their long-term care in an assisted living facility covered by MaineCare through the Residential/Assisted Living program. Long-term care in an assisted living facility is directly covered by MaineCare for seniors who meet financial requirements and pass a face-to-face needs assessment.

What Assisted Living Services Are Covered by Medicaid in Maine?

Seniors who are enrolled in the MaineCare Residential Care Services program can get several of their care services in a licensed assisted living facility covered. While the cost of room and board is excluded, seniors may get some of the following benefits:

• Help with day-to-day tasks, such as bathing, dressing and mobility
• Medication management
• Care coordination
• Transportation
• Physical, speech and occupational therapies

Seniors can apply by completing the Long-Term Care Application form before calling Maine's Assessing Services Agency at (833) 525-5784 to schedule a functional needs assessment. All applicants must undergo the assessment to determine their eligibility. This program is for seniors who need assistance with daily living tasks but don’t require the constant care and supervision that's generally offered in a nursing home.

How to Know if You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Maine

The state’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) determines eligibility for MaineCare. To qualify, seniors must earn no more than $13,596 each year as an individual or $18,312 in a two-person household. Assets are limited to $2,000 or $3,000 based on the size of your household. To receive long-term care services, applicants need to be medically assessed. Seniors may be entitled to additional exemptions.

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Maine

*Per year

Other requirements include:

• Must be aged 65 or above, or
• Needs to be blind or disabled
• Must be a Maine resident and a U.S. national, citizen, permanent resident or legal alien

How to Apply for Medicaid in Maine

Older adults can apply for MaineCare online using the My Maine Connections website. Alternatively, you may apply in person at your local DHHS District Office or send a paper application to your nearest Office for Family Independence. If you need assistance or have any questions about the enrollment process, contact the Department of Health and Human Services at (855) 797-4357.

Information You Will Need

When applying for MaineCare, seniors may need to provide some or all of the following documents:

• Social Security number
• Documents confirming Maine residency, citizenship and immigration status, if applicable
• Power of attorney, conservator or guardianship documents
• Proof of all income sources
• Property documents
• Proof of health insurance, including Medicare
• Proof of all assets owned by both the applicant and their spouse, including assets sold in the past 60 months.

How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid

It can be difficult to understand all the different guidelines and requirements for MaineCare coverage. However, there are several statewide agencies that help seniors apply for and receive the services they need.

Does Medicare Cover Assisted Living in Maine?

Medicare does not typically cover the cost of assisted living in Maine, since assisted living facilities are not considered to be healthcare facilities, but "residential settings". So while Medicare doesn't cover the cost of care received in an assisted living community, it does still cover things like approved medications, doctor visits, medical equipment, etc., just like it would if you lived at home.

For more information about when Medicare can be used to pay for senior living in nursing homes, and for Medicare-related resources, see our guide to Nursing Home Care in Maine.

Additional Financial Assistance Options for Assisted Living in Maine

For Seniors who are not eligible (due to location, financial situation, or other factors) for other types of financial assistance, there are still ways to make assisted living affordable. See below for some of the most common strategies used by seniors who can't afford to pay for assisted living out of pocket.

Maine Assisted Living Rules and Regulations

Maine's assisted living programs are licensed and regulated by the state Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Licensing and Certification. Maine has two levels of assisted living, Type I and Type II, and the major difference between these two levels of licensing is related to medication management and administration.

Free Assisted Living Resources for Seniors in Maine

Seniors in Maine can access many helpful services and benefit programs with assistance from the following resources. There's help available for seniors who are ready to plan for long-term care, require legal advice or want to explore financing options.

Maine COVID-19 Rules & Regulations for Assisted Living Facilities

Date Updated: 2/8/2022

Sources: maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/infectious-disease

All of the information below is based on research from a variety of sources, including those listed above. Among other types of senior living facilities, these rules apply to assisted living facilities. It's important to note that since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, you should contact your local assisted living community or Area Agency on Aging for the latest information.

Visitation & Group Activities

Safety Measures for Staff and Residents