When you need care, there are programs to help even if you do not have a health insurance plan.
Primary Care Providers and Specialists
Some health care plans require a Primary Care Provider (PCP) to handle many annual and routine healthcare needs. PCPs can make referrals for preventive care, to specialists, and other providers, or follow up with you after emergency room visits. If you have private insurance (through your employer or the Marketplace) you can choose your PCP based on your insurance carrier's provider list. Choosing an in-network provider can save you money. Always check with your plan to make sure your specialists are covered. In network specialists can will always bill at a lower rate than a specialist that is out of network.
If you have MaineCare, you can choose your PCP by contacting MaineCare Member Services at 1-800-977-6740.
Emergency Care
In Maine, no one can be turned away from emergency services - even if you are uninsured. It’s the law. If your income is under a certain level, those services must be provided free of charge. Any hospital in Maine must give you information about the “Free Care” program it offers.Some hospitals also provide care to those at higher income levels on a “Sliding-Scale” system, where the higher your income, the larger part of the bill you’re required to pay.
Mainers who are insured but need help paying out of pocket costs like deductibles and co-pays for medically necessary services may also qualify for hospital free
Free and Sliding Scale Health Clinics
Community health clinics across Maine often provide free and discounted services. Download this flyer to find a provider near you.
Limited Family Planning Benefit
If you are over income for full MaineCare or are without other coverage, you may still qualify for help paying for family planning related services like birth control prescription, sterilization services, and other sexual health care. To learn more about Maine's limited family planning benefit, click here . If you have questions about how to apply and income guidelines, call CAHC's toll free helpline at 1-800-965-7476.
Hospital Free and Discounted Care
No matter what your income, or if you have health insurance, no one can be turned away from hospital emergency care. Based on income, you may be eligible for free or discounted services. For more information, visit this page of our website, download this flyer about Hospital Free & Discounted Care. Also, in the table below you will find a list of hospitals with links to their free care applications. If you think your income is too high, we recommend that you apply for financial assistance anyway. If you are determined to be ineligible, ask about interest-free payment plans or other discount programs.
If you don’t find what you need, or if you have questions about any of the information you found, please contact us. You can email or call the HelpLine at 1-800-965-7476.
