4. EXCESS MEDICAL DEDUCTION

Certain medical expenses incurred by individuals who are elderly or have disabilities (Section 999-1) may be deducted.

A. The following expenses are not deducted:

(1) the cost of items that can be purchased with SNAP benefits even if they are for a special diet;

(2) reimbursable medical expenses even if they are listed in B below, (E.g. an individual may pay out of pocket for eyeglasses but that portion which will be reimbursed by their health plan or employer is not an allowable deduction for SNAP.);

(3) the cost of anything that violates federal law;

(4) interest or penalties associated with a payment plan or delayed payment; or

(5) the first $35.00 of allowable medical deductions per month per household.

B. To the extent that they are allowable under A above, the following verified medical costs may be deducted:

(1) dental and medical care, and psychotherapy and rehabilitation services by qualified health professionals;

(2) hospitalization, outpatient treatment, nursing care and nursing home care (including payments for persons who were household members immediately prior to entering a hospital or nursing home) recognized by the State;

(3) prescription drugs when prescribed by a licensed practitioner; over the counter medication (including insulin) when approved by a licensed practitioner or other qualified health professional; and medical supplies, sick room equipment (including rented), or other prescribed equipment;

(4) Medicare premiums and health and hospitalization insurance policy premiums;

EXCEPTION: Health and accident policies (such as those payable in lump-sum settlements for death or dismemberment) are not allowed.

(5) dentures, hearing aids, and prosthetics;

(6) food and veterinarian bills for a guide dog or any service animal specifically trained to serve the needs of an individual who is elderly or has disabilities;

(7) prescription eyeglasses;

(8) costs of transportation and lodging necessary for the individual to obtain medical treatment including the costs for an attendant when necessary.

NOTE: For transportation costs, actual verified costs or the MSEA mileage allowance found at https://www.maine.gov/osc/travel/mileage-other-info may be used.

(9) Costs of attendant, homemaker, home health aide, child care services or housekeeper necessary because of age, infirmity or illness including an amount equal to the one-person Thrifty Food Plan (Section 999-3 Chart 5) if the household provides the majority of the attendant's meals. If the attendant care costs qualify under both medical and dependent care deduction, it is applied as a dependent care deduction.

C. Household must verify medical expenses before they are budgeted. Copies of paid or unpaid bills are sufficient.