Navigating MaineCare Together: Planning for Spousal Long-Term Care Costs
You may see it coming — despite your best efforts, you can’t care for your ill spouse at home anymore. It’s an emotional time, made harder by the worry of how to pay for nursing home or long-term care.
Why Planning Ahead for MaineCare (Medicaid) Matters
Planning ahead is essential. Ideally, start at least five years before serious health issues arise. The earlier you plan, the more options you’ll have to protect your savings. Many elder-law attorneys, including Aging in Maine, offer free or low-cost initial consultations to help you understand your choices.
MaineCare (Maine’s version of Medicaid) helps cover the high cost of long-term or institutional care. The rules are complex, and one mistake can cost your family thousands. Working with an experienced elder-law attorney ensures you avoid costly errors and protect your assets.
Here’s a simple overview of what to expect when meeting with an attorney.
Understanding “Resources” vs. “Income”
MaineCare eligibility depends on financial need. The program looks at both resources (assets) and income.
- Resources include cash, bank accounts, CDs, investments, and the cash value of life-insurance policies.
- Income includes Social Security, pensions, or other regular payments.
To qualify, an applicant must have no more than about $2,000 in countable resources. Extra assets must be spent down or legally transferred according to MaineCare rules. Improper transfers can cause delays or penalties.
Exempt Resources: What Doesn’t Count
Not all assets are counted toward the $2,000 limit. Some are exempt, meaning you can keep them and still qualify for MaineCare. Examples include:
- Your primary residence (if you or your spouse live there)
- One vehicle
- Household furnishings and personal belongings
- Medical equipment
- Jewelry or sentimental items
You do not need to sell or give away these exempt assets. However, distinguishing between exempt and non-exempt property can be tricky. Always consult an elder-law attorney before making financial changes.
What the Well Spouse Can Keep
When one spouse enters a nursing facility, the other — called the community spouse — may keep part of the couple’s assets. This is the Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA).
The well spouse can also retain a certain level of monthly income, known as the Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMNA), to cover living expenses.
For example:
If the well spouse receives $500 a month in Social Security, but the state allows $2,000, some assets can be converted to generate income up to that amount. This must be done carefully and only with professional legal advice.
Why Early MaineCare Planning Makes All the Difference
MaineCare eligibility and asset-protection strategies are technical and time-sensitive. Planning early allows you to protect assets, preserve financial stability, and ensure your loved one receives quality care.
Even if your spouse is already in long-term care, it’s not too late to plan. There are still ways to protect assets and reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Talk to a Maine Elder-Law Attorney Today
At Aging in Maine, we know how overwhelming this process can be. Our team helps families across Maine navigate the rules of MaineCare (Medicaid), protect what matters most, and plan for peace of mind.
📞 Call (207) 848-5600 or visit our Contact Page to schedule a consultation.
Early planning could save your family tens of thousands of dollars in care costs. Don’t wait — we’re here to help you plan well, live well, and age well.
