Maine DEL (Low Cost Drugs for the Elderly or Disabled)
Maine's DEL program gives eligible seniors and disabled residents an 80% discount on many commonly used prescription drugs, with no asset test.
Maine residents 62+ (or 19+ with a disability) who don't qualify for full MaineCare and have income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level can get an 80% discount on many prescription drugs through DEL — no asset test.
Most states no longer run a dedicated State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (SPAP) — only a handful still do, largely because Medicare Part D, especially after the Inflation Reduction Act's reforms, now covers much of what these programs used to fill in. Maine's DEL (Low Cost Drugs for the Elderly or Disabled) program is administered by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services and uses state funds rather than federal Medicaid dollars.
What DEL Covers
DEL provides an 80% discount off the cost of many commonly used drugs, generally after a copay of around $2 plus 20% of the drug's cost. For Medicare beneficiaries, DEL works as supplemental coverage alongside Part D, helping cover costs Part D leaves behind rather than replacing it. As of 2024, the program removed its asset test, so savings, investments, and similar resources no longer count against eligibility — only income does.
Who Qualifies
To qualify, you generally need to be a Maine resident who:
- Is 62 years of age or older, or is 19 or older with a qualifying disability
- Doesn't qualify for full MaineCare (Maine's Medicaid program)
- Has income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level (or 200% if prescription costs are at least 40% of income)
There is no asset or resource test — only income is considered.
How to Apply
DEL is administered by Maine's Office for Family Independence. You can apply online through My Maine Connection, print a paper application, or apply at a local OFI office. For current details, visit the official program page.
Apply on maine.gov →Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Maine's DEL program?
Maine residents 62 or older, or 19 and older with a qualifying disability, who don't qualify for full MaineCare and have income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level (200% if prescription costs are at least 40% of income). There is no asset test.
How much does DEL save you?
DEL provides an 80% discount on many commonly used drugs after a small copay, generally $2 plus 20% of the drug's cost.
Does DEL replace Medicare Part D?
No. For Medicare beneficiaries, DEL works as supplemental coverage alongside Part D, helping fill gaps rather than replacing Part D coverage.
Illustrative summary — verify exact current income limits and copay amounts with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services before relying on this page for an application decision. This site is not affiliated with the State of Maine.