Here’s an example of how it works:

MaineCare has paid all Edna’s nursing home bills. When she dies, the State has the right to collect the money it spent on her nursing home care from her estate. This is called “Estate Recovery.” When Edna dies, she only owns her house and a few pieces of family jewelry. Attorneys call this her “estate.” Edna’s estate is so small that the house may need to be sold to pay the State. The amount left after Estate Recovery will go to her son and daughter, her “heirs.”

1. Medicare Buy-In Benefits or Medicare Savings Programs that help pay for Medicare premiums and other Medicare costs.
2. The Low Cost Drug Program for the Elderly and Disabled.

1. Your husband or wife (or registered domestic partner) has died;
2. Your minor child has died; or,
3. Your adult child who is blind or disabled has died.

Remember:

• The State CANNOT try to collect any money it pays for your health care while you are alive.
• The State CANNOT take (or put a lien) on your house while you are alive.
• You have the right to do what you want with your property. You can sell your house. The State has NO rights to your property when you are alive.
• Estate Recovery applies only to MaineCare benefits you get after age 55. The State CANNOT collect money it paid for your health care before age 55.

Estate Recovery is complicated. These are just the basics. There may be other ways the Estate Recovery rules affect you that are not covered here. Call the Legal Services for the Elderly Helpline at 1-800-750-5353 to learn more.