MaineCare Eligibility Changes Coming in 2027

Starting January 1, 2027, new work requirements will begin for many MaineCare Expansion adults. If you already have MaineCare, the new rules will apply when you renew your coverage in 2027.

Other MaineCare rules are changing, too. Here is what you need to know and what you can do now to prepare.

Take steps to prepare now

Starting January 1, 2027, several MaineCare eligibility rules will begin to change. The biggest changes affect MaineCare Expansion adults.

The changes include:

  • New work requirements for many MaineCare Expansion adults
  • Renewing MaineCare every 6 months instead of every 12 months for MaineCare Expansion adults
  • Less retroactive coverage for medical bills from before someone applied for MaineCare

Who are MaineCare Expansion adults?

You may be in the MaineCare Expansion adult group if you:

  • Are 19 to 64 years old
  • Get MaineCare based on your income
  • Do not have Medicare
  • Do not meet Social Security disability guidelines

Not sure if this is you? You do not have to figure it out on your own. The Office for Family Independence (OFI) will contact people who are affected and tell them what steps they need to take.

What you can do now

Stay connected.

Make sure the Office for Family Independence (OFI) has your current:

  • Mailing address
  • Email address
  • Phone number

This will help make sure you receive important information about your MaineCare coverage.

You can check or update your information through My Maine Connection at MyMaineConnection.gov or by calling OFI at 1-855-797-4357.

Stay informed.

Watch for official MaineCare information from OFI.

  • Open and read letters and notices from OFI.
  • Check your mail, email and text messages.
  • Check your My Maine Connection account.
  • Save 1-855-797-4357 in your phone so you recognize calls from OFI.

If OFI asks you to provide information, follow the instructions and respond by the deadline listed in the notice.

Stay covered.

If the new work requirements apply to you, there are several ways to meet them.

You can meet the requirement in a month if you:

  • Work and earn at least $580 in a month, or
  • Work, volunteer, go to school or take part in a work program for at least 80 hours in a month, or
  • Are enrolled in school at least half time

You can also use a combination of work, volunteering, school and a work program to reach the 80-hour requirement.

Some people do not have to meet the work requirement.

Who does not have to meet the work requirement?

You may not have to meet the work requirement if:

  • You are pregnant.
  • You had MaineCare while pregnant and are within 12 months after giving birth.
  • You are a parent, guardian or caretaker of a child age 13 or younger.
  • You care for a person with a disability.
  • You are a veteran with a disability rated as “total.”
  • You left foster care at age 18 and are now under age 26.
  • You are meeting TANF or SNAP work requirements.
  • You have a health condition that limits your ability to work. This may include a disability, blindness, substance use disorder, disabling mental health condition or another medical condition that affects your ability to work.
  • You are taking part in a drug or alcohol treatment or rehabilitation program.
  • You are in jail or prison, or you were released within the last three months.
  • You are American Indian or Alaska Native, or are otherwise eligible for Indian Health Services.

If you think one of these situations applies to you, make sure OFI has current information about your situation.

Your MaineCare renewal will happen more often

MaineCare Expansion adults currently renew their coverage every 12 months.

Starting January 1, 2027, MaineCare Expansion adults will need to renew their coverage every 6 months.

When it is time to renew, OFI will send you information about what you need to do.

You can renew through:

My Maine Connection: MyMaineConnection.gov
Office for Family Independence: 1-855-797-4357

American Indians, Alaska Natives and people otherwise eligible for Indian Health Services will not have the new 6-month renewal requirement.

Coverage for medical bills from before you applied is changing.

MaineCare can sometimes help pay medical bills from before you applied for coverage. This is called retroactive coverage.

Right now, MaineCare may cover medical bills from up to 3 months before you applied.

Starting January 1, 2027:

  • For MaineCare Expansion adults, coverage may go back up to 1 month before you applied.
  • For other MaineCare applicants, coverage may go back up to 2 months before you applied.

More help and resources

You do not have to navigate these changes alone.

Along with MaineCare resources, PCHC’s Outreach & Enrollment team can help you understand these changes and navigate your next steps.

PCHC Outreach & Enrollment
Call: 207-404-8100 ext. 2005
Email: tgray@pchc.com

For official questions about your MaineCare eligibility or coverage, contact the Office for Family Independence (OFI) at 1-855-797-4357.

Learn more from MaineCare

For the latest information about these changes, visit:

MaineCare.gov/work

To check your coverage, update your contact information or renew MaineCare, visit:

MyMaineConnection.gov