Parenting a neurodivergent child is like sailing a ship in uncharted waters. The journey is unique, filled with challenges, and rewards. One such challenge is navigating the healthcare system. If you’re in Maine, you’ve probably heard of Maine Medicaid. But what is it, and how can it help your family? Let’s break it down.
Maine Medicaid, also known as MaineCare, is a state and federal program. It’s designed to provide health coverage for eligible individuals. This includes kids with thinking and learning differences. But, what does this mean for your family?
Maine Medicaid covers a wide range of services that are essential for neurodivergent kids. These include mental health services, occupational therapy, and speech-language therapy. The beauty of Maine Medicaid is that it recognizes that every child is unique. It offers personalized care plans to cater to their specific needs.
To access Maine Medicaid, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria. These are based on income, age, and disability status. For example, families with a lower income or children with certain disabilities may qualify.
The application process might seem like a daunting task. But, don’t worry. There are resources available to guide you through each step. This ensures your child gets the support they need. Here’s a quick overview:
| Goally Waiver Scorecard | Score (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Website clarity and ease of navigation | 1 |
| Access and requirements of qualification | 3 |
| Healthcare coverage | 1 |
The Office of Child and Family Services manages the waiver program and should be able to answer your questions. 207- 624-7900
Read more: Does My Child Qualify for Medicaid?
Maine Medicaid doesn’t just cover medical services. It also extends to educational support for kids with thinking and learning differences. For instance, it can fund services like Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans. These are instrumental in helping your child thrive in school.
Imagine a tool like Goally, designed to help neurodivergent kids build independence and self-confidence. Maine Medicaid can help cover the cost of such beneficial tools, easing the financial burden on families.
Maine Medicaid also offers community support services. These programs aim to help neurodivergent kids integrate into their communities. They focus on fostering social skills and independence.
For example, there are programs that provide in-home support, helping kids learn daily living skills. Others might offer social opportunities, like group activities or outings. This can be a great way for your child to make friends and feel part of their community.
Navigating Maine Medicaid can come with its own set of challenges. However, understanding these potential roadblocks can help you better advocate for your child’s needs.
Some families may face issues with service denials or delays. In such cases, knowing your rights and the appeal process can make all the difference. For instance, if a service is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. You can request a hearing, where you’ll have the chance to explain why your child needs the service.
Does your child need some extra guidance on building essential life skills? Goally’s skill building tablet for kids includes a TV app that has the most robust video library of skills training videos for kids. Ranging from content like “How to Brush Your Teeth” to “How to Make Friends at School,” we have dozens of interactive video lessons for kids with thinking and learning differences.
HERE’s a video explaining how to works.
In the end, Maine Medicaid can be a game-changer for families with neurodivergent kids. It provides a safety net, ensuring your child has access to the services they need to thrive. While the journey may seem overwhelming, remember, you’re not alone.
With the right knowledge and resources, you can navigate the system and secure the best possible care for your child. After all, you’re not just a parent. You’re a tireless advocate, a beacon of strength, and the biggest fan of your child. And with Maine Medicaid by your side, you’re also empowered to be their healthcare champion.
Circumstances/Diagnosis: Any child under 19 who is diagnosed with any type of disability (this includes autism). The state requires that individuals need at least an intermediate care facility level of care to qualify. This has a technical definition but essentially just means that the individual is unable to get through their day without a lot of supervision.
Income: Income eligibility is only based on the child’s income and not the parents income. This means that your child is financially eligible for the waiver if they don’t have an income.
The way Katie Beckett Programs work is that they allow families with higher incomes to receive medicaid benefits for their child because eligibility is based on the child income. This means that you will be able to receive dental care, emergency and non-emergency transportation, inpatient and outpatient treatment, medical equipment, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physical therapy, vision.
Call your county’s Department of Human and Health Services
Maine has a terrible waiver program. They currently only have a Katie Beckett program which is what most states provide as a baseline and then extend further services to meet the case specific needs of people with disabilities that medicaid doesn’t normally cover. Maine needs to improve this program and is in the midst of doing so in a three year project to revamp the behavioral health services. We additionally had a hard time finding Maine specific resources that are worth your time to check out, so if you have any you recommend please comment below.
This post was originally published on 02/16/2021. It was updated on 09/18/2023.
