Long-Term Care in Maine: Where the Starting Line Really Is

Most families don’t know the name Maximus until they’re already deep into the process of needing care. But here’s the hard truth: by the time you first hear it, you may already be behind.

Maximus is the company the State of Maine uses to decide if someone qualifies for long-term care support through MaineCare. They’re the starting line — but most families don’t realize the race even started until someone’s already in crisis.

Here’s what families need to know:

• Assessments: Maximus meets with your loved one and decides if they qualify for support.

• Approvals: They assign how much help you can receive.

• Referrals: They send your case to providers who report openings.

But here’s the catch:

• The openings may not line up with what you actually need.

• If you’re in Portland, you may wait longer than families in smaller towns.

• And by the time you find out who Maximus is, you’ve already lost weeks or months you could have spent planning.

👉 The takeaway for families: Don’t wait for someone else to bring up Maximus. If you think long-term may be in your future, ask about it before the crisis. Knowing where the starting line is gives you more options, more control, and less regret.