Medicare is a health insurance program for qualifying citizens who are 65 or over or have been deemed disabled by Social Security for two or more years.
How do I get Medicare?
Most citizens will be automatically enrolled in Medicare the first day of the month they turn 65. Some citizens get Medicare earlier if they are deemed disabled. Not everyone qualifies for Medicare. Due to limited work history, some people are not able to enroll. They do have other options!
How does Medicare work with MaineCare (Medicaid)?
If you have Medicare but meet the income guidelines for certain MaineCare Programs, you can enroll in MaineCare too. You may qualify for full MaineCare or the Medicare Savings Program which can help with Part B premiums, deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs.
What is the ineligible spouse disregard?
When a couple is over income for MaineCare or the Medicare Savings Program and one spouse has medical needs greater than the other, the spouse with lower medical needs can be deemed the ineligible spouse. This allows for an additional amount to be subtracted from the couple’s countable income. It may make the spouse with greater medical needs eligible for MaineCare or the Medicare Savings Program.
Can I have both Medicare and Marketplace Coverage?
No. If you have Marketplace coverage and will become Medicare eligible soon, you must cancel your Marketplace coverage the month before your Medicare starts. If you don't, you run the risk that you may need to repay any subsidies you received for your Marketplace coverage.
Who can help?
Our Advocates are awesome, but Legal Services for the Elderly 1-800-750-5353 and your local Area Agencies on Aging 1-877-353-3771 can best answer your more complicated Medicare Savings Program questions.
Income limits for MaineCare with Medicare Savings Programs can be found in the chart below and in our printable MSP flyer. Note that changes are coming to this program in July 2024.
