During these unprecedented and challenging times, it is critical that children and families get the support they need to mitigate the harmful effects of this pandemic on their health and well-being. With many parents finding themselves out of work, families are enduring significant additional stress as they try to figure out how to keep paying their bills and meeting the basic needs of their households.
One way we can all help right now is to make sure parents are aware of the programs and services available to help them through these difficult times. Fortunately, the federal and Maine state governments have waived many of the restrictions and red tape associated with accessing those programs that provide essential support for families, like food assistance (SNAP), health care (MaineCare), and financial assistance (TANF). We've outlined the changes to accessing these critical programs below, so families can assess how they might benefit from these increased flexibilities. SNAP(Food Supplement Benefit) - SNAP is a proven, effective tool in addressing food insecurity, allowing recipients to stretch their food dollars, so they don't have to choose between putting food on the table and other basic needs. Now more than ever, this will be critical to families needing assistance.
The most significant item waived for this program is the removal of the work requirement
for recipients. Additionally, any households receiving some of the monthly benefit, will now receive the maximum
benefit for the months of April and May. The monthly Worker Supplement Benefit will also increase from $50-$100 through July 2020. The application, reporting, and review requirements have been relaxed to allow for more flexibility for participants. MaineCare- For low-income families, this state health insurance program provides access to affordable health care. And right now, having that care is so important, in testing and treatment for COVID-19, ensuring basic health care for those already on the program, and for individuals who may be newly eligible due to changes in employment and income.
During this crisis, MaineCare will cover the cost of COVID-19 tests, and will waive co-pays for associated care and treatment, such as prescriptions and office visits. Importantly, no coverage will be ended for any child or adult in the program for the duration of the emergency. Programs with premiums (like CubCare), will also be waived. Additional eligibility application and verification changes have been made to allow for more flexibility. TANF(Temporary Assistance for Families) - This program provides important financial assistance
for families with children who are temporarily unable to provide for themselves.
Significantly, the 60-month lifetime limit will be waived
for the duration of the public health emergency. That means that if you were previously on the program, but lost the benefit due to reaching the lifetime limit, you may now again be eligible. Families will not be "timed off" during the crisis, nor be sanctioned for failure to participate in work or school requirements. Other changes have been implemented for applying and reporting, to reduce face-to-face contact and the burden of paperwork for families right now.
Making critical support programs more accessible and supportive during this time will strengthen families, and reduce the potentially harmful impact on their own and their children's health and well-being.
Given the likelihood of an economic downturn and recession even after the public health crisis has passed, it will be important for the federal government and state administrators to continue this level of support for children and families, until the economy improves. Everyone should have access to the help they need to get through this crisis and beyond. We urge you to share this information about changes to critical support programs with families who may need them. We know that children thrive in strong families and that strong families and communities are fundamental to the future success of our state. Let's all make sure they get the resources they need to thrive. For more detailed information on these and other program changes, the COVID-19 page
hosted and updated by Maine Equal Justice is a great resource. Additionally, if you have questions about your health insurance eligibility, reach out
to the experts at Consumers for Affordable Health Care. For more information on the Department of Health and Human Services and program updates, see their Coronavirus Resources page.
Making critical support programs more accessible and supportive during this time will strengthen families, and reduce the potentially harmful impact on their own and their children's health and well-being.
Given the likelihood of an economic downturn and recession even after the public health crisis has passed, it will be important for the federal government and state administrators to continue this level of support for children and families, until the economy improves. Everyone should have access to the help they need to get through this crisis and beyond. We urge you to share this information about changes to critical support programs with families who may need them. We know that children thrive in strong families and that strong families and communities are fundamental to the future success of our state. Let's all make sure they get the resources they need to thrive. For more detailed information on these and other program changes, the COVID-19 page
hosted and updated by Maine Equal Justice is a great resource. Additionally, if you have questions about your health insurance eligibility, reach out
to the experts at Consumers for Affordable Health Care. For more information on the Department of Health and Human Services and program updates, see their Coronavirus Resources page.