USCRI in Maine

On March 3, 2017, the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) appointed U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) as the Medical Replacement Designee (MRD) in Maine. As the state’s MRD, USCRI is responsible for administering the Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA) program. Individuals eligible for RMA in Maine include those federally recognized as refugees, asylees, Cuban/Haitian Entrants, Special Immigrant Visa holders, and Victims of Trafficking.

Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA)

Access to healthcare and coverage under health insurance are vital to successfully establishing a new life in the United States. RMA is designed for refugees and other eligible individuals who do not qualify for Maine’s Medicaid program, MaineCare. USCRI works in partnership with Maine’s local resettlement agency, Catholic Charities, to enroll and assist recent arrivals as they navigate the healthcare system.

While RMA includes the same medical, dental, and pharmacy benefits as Medicaid, RMA differs from the Medicaid program in one way. RMA health coverage is short-term (up to eight months from the date of arrival in the U.S. or the date status was granted) for refugees and other eligible people. Also, an individual must be ineligible for Medicaid and meet the RMA eligibility requirements to be enrolled in the program.

USCRI contracts with a third-party administrator named Point Comfort Underwriters (PCU) to provide services under RMA. All enrollees receive an identification card like the one pictured below. Enrollees should present the card when visiting a healthcare provider like they would provide any other insurance identification card. There are no copays, and healthcare providers are reimbursed through contracts with PCU or through single case agreements. RMA enrollees can be seen by healthcare providers not contracted with PCU, and PCU will process the subsequent claims.

To apply for RMA health benefits, please contact Catholic Charities Maine – Refugee and Immigration Services.

Learn more about Refugee Health Services.