Maine runs real Medicaid programs that pay family members to care for a loved one at home. Here is what they pay, who can be paid, and how to start.
24% of the state
each with its own page
that can pay a relative
see the full rule below
Population figures from the U.S. Census Bureau · Rules from each state's published Medicaid program
$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.
Guides
Start with the Maine caregiver program, then read how the pieces fit together.
Across the line
Each state writes its own rules, and they differ more than people expect — a spouse who can be paid on one side of the line often cannot be on the other.
Answer 5 easy questions. See your programs and pay before you share any contact info.