Maine
Maine has real Medicaid programs that pay family members to care for a loved one at home. Here's what they pay, who can be paid, and how to start.
$17–$27/hr
Your exact pay is set by the program and your care plan. We'll tell you your real number before you enroll.
Source: Maine Medicaid program data · Updated September 2026
Some programs here have no waitlist. Others can have one.
Section 12 CDAS is an entitlement — no waitlist; Section 19 waiver capped (~4,126 slots) and a waitlist forms when full
Sometimes — it depends on the program and the care needed.
The fine print: limited — spouses/legally responsible relatives excluded from CDAS and Section 19 hires, EXCEPT Resolves 2019 ch.104 lets a spouse be paid as a Personal Support Specialist for members needing extraordinary care
Sometimes — special programs for children may pay parents.
The fine print: limited — new Family Home Health Aide Program (implementation from early 2026) will reimburse parents of minors; parents who are nurses payable in exceptional circumstances
Run by: Maine DHHS — Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) 855-797-4357
A program that can pay a family member for care at home.
2-min check →A program that can pay a family member for care at home.
2-min check →A path for children who need extra care.
2-min check →Our quick check tells you which programs fit your family before you talk to anyone.
Apply for MaineCare via My Maine Connection, 855-797-4357, or a district DHHS office; Maximus (833-525-5784) does the functional assessment.
Forms, phone calls, the enrollment visit — we walk you through it all, free.
Yes. These are real Medicaid programs run by the state. In Maine, they are overseen by the Maine DHHS — Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) 855-797-4357. We help you enroll — applying costs you nothing.
Care at home costs Medicaid far less than a nursing home. So states pay family members to give that care at home. It's good for your loved one, and it's the law working the way it should.
Sometimes — it depends on the program and the care needed. The fine print: limited — spouses/legally responsible relatives excluded from CDAS and Section 19 hires, EXCEPT Resolves 2019 ch.104 lets a spouse be paid as a Personal Support Specialist for members needing extraordinary care
Sometimes — special programs for children may pay parents. The fine print: limited — new Family Home Health Aide Program (implementation from early 2026) will reimburse parents of minors; parents who are nurses payable in exceptional circumstances
Reported figures are around $17–$27/hr, but rates vary — the program sets your exact pay. We'll tell you your real number before you enroll.
Some programs here have no waitlist. Others can have one. Details: Section 12 CDAS is an entitlement — no waitlist; Section 19 waiver capped (~4,126 slots) and a waitlist forms when full
It depends on the program. In Maine: member is the employer (hires/trains/fires); a fiscal intermediary is required for background checks, taxes, and payments
Sources: medicaidplanningassistance.org · medicaidplanningassistance.org · payingforseniorcare.com · Updated September 2026. Program rules change — always confirm with the program.
The programs are the same across Maine. Pick your county to see how they work where you live.
Answer 5 easy questions. See your programs and pay before you share any contact info.