A Win on Medicare Savings Program

AARP Maine and other groups recently helped stave off cuts to a program that helps older, low-income residents pay their health care costs.

In 2023, Maine legislators voted to expand eligibility for the Medicare Savings Program, which helps low-income Medicare beneficiaries cover their copays, deductibles and other costs. As of March 31, 2025, more than 97,000 Mainers were enrolled.

Proposed cuts to the state’s fiscal 2024 budget could have eliminated or limited assistance to 45,000 residents, according to the nonprofit Maine Center for Economic Policy. Amid opposition from AARP and others, lawmakers set aside $14.1 million to preserve the expansion.

Learn more at states.aarp.org/maine/legislative-wrap-up.