MaineCare for a Grandchild in Kinship Care

Why Most Grandchildren in Kinship Care Qualify

MaineCare covers children in Maine at income thresholds up to 305% of the federal poverty level — roughly $48,678 a year for a single-child unit. That already covers most families. But the rule that matters most for kinship caregivers is which income actually counts.

When a grandparent or other non-parental relative applies for MaineCare on behalf of a child, federal MAGI rules determine whose income is relevant. For a child under 19 who is not claimed as a tax dependent, a grandparent is not included just because the child lives with them. If you claim the child as a tax dependent, the household can be different.

In practice, a grandchild with no independent income who is not claimed as a tax dependent by any taxpayer will almost always qualify.

How to Apply

You have several options:

• Online: MyMaineConnection.gov handles TANF, SNAP, and MaineCare in a single application. The health-only portal applyforme.maine.gov works if you only need MaineCare.
• Paper: Mail or fax your application to OFI (114 Corn Shop Lane, Farmington, ME 04938; fax 207-778-8429)
• Phone: 1-855-797-4357
• In person: Any regional OFI district office

You do not need a court order or legal guardianship to apply for MaineCare on behalf of a grandchild. A relative caregiver acting as head of household can execute the application.

What MaineCare Covers

Children enrolled in MaineCare receive comprehensive coverage under the federal Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) framework:

• Medical and preventive care
• Vision and hearing
• Prescription drugs
• Mental and behavioral health services
• Dental care (preventive and restorative)

Children under 19 remain eligible for 12 months after an eligibility determination unless they turn 19 or stop residing in Maine. A temporary income change alone does not end coverage during that period.

How MaineCare Interacts with Other Benefits

TANF child-only grants are completely excluded from MAGI income calculations. Receiving a $384-per-month TANF grant for the child will not affect MaineCare eligibility at all.

If the child receives federal Title IV-E kinship guardianship assistance payments under a § 4038-D agreement, federal law deems the child a Medicaid recipient. Maine's § 4038-D program may also use state funds, so check whether the agreement includes Title IV-E assistance.

SSI payments qualify the child for MaineCare automatically as well.

SNAP benefits are not counted as income for any program.

Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Maine's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), formerly called Cub Care, covers eligible children under 19 who are not eligible for Medicaid. Maine removed CHIP premium payments effective March 1, 2023. The program uses the same enrollment and eligibility processes as Medicaid, so a MaineCare application screens the child for CHIP if applicable.

If the Child Moves to Maine

MaineCare coverage does not transfer across state lines. If a grandchild was previously covered by Medicaid in another state and moves to Maine to live with you, file a new application with OFI as soon as you establish Maine residency.

The complete Maine kinship financial help guide walks through the MaineCare application alongside every other benefit program — with a document checklist, household-rule explainers, and a tracker for managing renewals across TANF, SNAP, and MaineCare simultaneously.

See more Maine guides →