Maine
Approximately 1,328,000 people resided in Maine in 2013, according to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau. A year earlier, 51.1% of the state’s population consisted of females. Older adult women necessitate long-term care more than their male counterparts primarily due to increased longevity.
Maine can be considered as one of the states with the largest number of aging individuals, and it also had the highest median age among states. With a steadily aging population, the percentage of Maine’s senior residents is expected to surpass 18% by 2015 and grow to above 21% by 2020.
Aside from aging-related frailty, chronic ailments like diabetes also require long-term care. America’s Health Rankings notes that nearly 10% of Maine’s adults were diagnosed with diabetes in 2013. Moreover, the state recorded 203.5 per 100,000 fatalities from cancer. Data from Partnership for a Tobacco-Free Maine indicate that 23% of adults smoke, one of the most causes of cancer, in 2011. Cigarette sales per capita decreased from 101 packs in 1997 to 51 packs in 2011.
Furthermore, Maine made it to the 6th place in America’s Health Rankings for having the most health insurance policyholders.
Cost of Care
Below are the average daily cost* of long-term care services in Maine.
| City | Nursing Facility1 | Assisted Living1 | Adult Day Care2 | Home Health Aide3 |
| Augusta | $289 | $154 | N/A | $114 |
| Portland | $316 | $178 | $109 | $108 |
Notes:
*Costs are rounded to the nearest whole dollar.
1Daily average for a private room.
2Based on five days of care per week.
3Based on six hours of care per day, five days per week.
Insurance Options
Maine residents can get long-term care insurance coverage through Transamerica’s product called TransCare III, which became available in the state’s markets on September 10, 2013. An individual LTCI policy, TransCare III features several riders and an improved Deferred Benefit Increase Option. Prospective clients might like the increases in daily benefit amount and waiting period.
FlexCare, an LTCI product by MedAmerica, had newer inflation options: the 3% Simple 2X Maximum, the 3% Compound 2X Maximum, and the 5% Simple 2X Maximum. The new 20 calendar day waiting period applies to individual businesses only. On December 9, 2013, FlexCare saw changes in its preferred health and marital discounts.
The Long-Term Care Partnership Program in Maine began on the retroactive effective date of July 1, 2009. Citizens can buy Partnership policies from Allianz Life, Assurity Life, Bankers Life, Genworth, John Hancock, Massachusetts Mutual, Mutual of Omaha, New York Life, and State Farm.
State Long-Term Care Programs
Through the Medicare program, older adults and people with disabilities in Maine can get financial help for long-term care services. Home health care and skilled nursing facility care fall under Part A, while Part B covers therapy, medical items, and some preventive services. Part D supports individuals who require prescribed drugs.
Some states have alternative names for Medicaid. In Maine, the state and federal health program is called MaineCare. Residents with limited income can enroll in MaineCare through the federally-facilitated Marketplace. Maine did not proceed with the plan by other states to expand Medicaid coverage. Earlier preparation for senior living is possible with MaineCare Pre-Planning, while seniors with medical emergencies can benefit from Crisis MaineCare Planning.
The state’s Aging and Disability Services manages a wide range of programs that provide the necessary help for the well-being of care recipients.
More Resources
To get more specific information regarding long-term care services and insurance options in Maine, please check the following websites:
Department of Health and Human Services
Offers resource links for a broad range of LTC topics.
Introduces and locates LTC facilities, and informs about advance directives.
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