Our Mission. Since 1974, we have been protecting the rights of older Mainers. Our mission is to provide free, high quality legal services to people who are 60 and older when their basic human needs are at stake and advocate for people facing challenges accessing Medicare benefits.
Our Helpline and Staff Attorneys. People who need help can call our toll free Helpline and speak with an attorney. We can help answer questions over the phone. We might also write letters or speak to a third party. Depending on the problem, a Staff Attorney may be able to help with a court or administrative proceeding.
Our staff can also help you find other legal or social services support if we can’t help. This includes our Reduced Fee Panel of attorneys who we trust. They are located throughout Maine and can help older Mainers who otherwise would not be able to afford an attorney. They provide these services for a reduced or flat fee basis.
Our Health Insurance Counseling Program. This program gives information and help with the healthcare system through our Helpline. Older people and disabled people who are under 65 and have Medicare can use this service. We offer this program with our partners at the Office of Aging and Disability Services and the Area Agencies on Aging. It is funded by a grant from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Senior Medicare Patrol. Maine SMP educates Mainers with Medicare, their families, and caregivers about Medicare benefits. Maine SMP volunteers help consumers understand their Medicare statements and learn about healthcare fraud, waste, and abuse. They help file fraud and abuse claims with Medicare and also present to community groups. We offer this program with our partners at the Office of Aging and Disability Services and Maine’s Area Agencies on Aging. Please call your local Area Agency on Aging to ask about Maine SMP.
Our Reduced Fee Attorney Panel. As described above, through generous involvement of the private bar, we have established a statewide panel of attorneys who have agreed to provide representation on a variety of matters on a reduced fee or flat fee basis.
Our Medicare Part D Appeals Unit. Our Medicare Part D Appeals Unit helps low-income Mainers who have Medicare. The Unit helps people get the prescription drugs they need.
