Monday, May 5, 2008

Less for Childless Adults, More for Foster Children

By John LaPlante

Categories: Maine, Medicaid

As part of a publication (PDF) on how to address a state budget deficit, the Maine Heritage Policy Center says that the state can save up to $53.5 million a year by changing its Medicaid program.

Maine is one of only 10 states that provide Medicaid to non-disabled, childless adults. In addition, in Maine non-disabled parents can receive Medicaid benefits at incomes higher than those allowed in 46 other states.

If Medicaid income eligibility rates in Maine were standardized to those of the average state, some of the money spent on non-disabled adults could be saved, while another portion of it could be spent on care for the elderly, disabled, and foster children.