On October 1^st, a new MaineCare benefit became available for thousands of adults and teens. The benefit provides comprehensive coverage for reproductive and sexual health care for those who meet the income guidelines. People who can apply need to be:

·        Maine residents or an approved legal non-citizen

·        Have individual incomes at or below 209% of the Federal Poverty Level ($2,069 monthly)

·        Not pregnant (a separate benefit is available for pregnant adults)

The covered services in the new benefit include:

·        Annual exams for men and women

·        Breast and Cervical cancer screenings

·        Birth control (pills, implant, IUD)

·        STI testing and treatment,

·        UTI testing and treatment

The launch of this new benefit provides access to care for countless women and men who otherwise would not be able to afford or qualify for assistance for insurance through the Marketplace. Any health care provider who accepts MaineCare can accept the new benefit for coverage for services. The application is easy to complete and requires basic income information. Individuals can even apply online.

Planned Parenthood of Northern New England (PPNNE) has resources available that explain the new benefit including French and Arabic translated materials. They also have staff able to provide enrollment assistance and answer any technical questions you may have about the new program. To request materials or schedule an appointment with one of their counselors contact: Jessica Milinichik at Jessica.Milinichik@ppnne.org or call at 207-687-3293. 

PPNNE’s goal is to make it as easy as possible for people to access critical care. People can schedule next day, same day appointments at any PPNNE health center and enroll at the same time.