Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Free Legal Help for Maine Elders
Since 1974, we have been dedicated to protecting the rights of older Mainers through free, high-quality legal services. Our mission focuses on ensuring access to basic human needs for individuals aged 60 and older, with particular emphasis on housing, healthcare, and protection from exploitation. We operate a toll-free Helpline staffed by experienced attorneys who provide guidance, draft correspondence, and represent clients in legal proceedings when necessary. Our Reduced Fee Panel connects clients with trusted private attorneys across Maine for specialized legal matters at affordable rates. Through partnerships with the Office of Aging and Disability Services and Area Agencies on Aging, we deliver critical health insurance counseling and Medicare advocacy programs. Our Senior Medicare Patrol educates Mainers about healthcare fraud prevention while our Appeals Unit assists low-income individuals with prescription drug access.We maintain a diverse team of legal professionals, including staff attorneys, helpline specialists, and volunteer board members committed to elder rights. Our work is guided by a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring all Mainers feel respected and supported regardless of background. With over 50 years of experience, we combine deep legal expertise with community partnerships to address eviction prevention, elder abuse intervention, and public benefits access. Our annual impact report demonstrates measurable improvements in clients' lives, with 86% of recipients experiencing enhanced physical and financial security through our interventions.
Services
Legal Representation
Medicare Advocacy
Prescription Drug Appeals
Elder Abuse Prevention
Health Insurance Counseling
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- We offer free legal services specifically for Mainers aged 60 and older
- Our team includes specialized Medicare advocacy and elder abuse experts
- We maintain a statewide network of trusted reduced-fee attorneys
- Our Senior Medicare Patrol program prevents healthcare fraud and abuse
- We combine 50+ years of legal experience with community partnerships
What people say
Lifesaving eviction prevention
Expert Medicare guidance
Compassionate attorneys
Services
Legal Representation
Our experienced attorneys provide free legal representation for Mainers aged 60+ facing eviction, domestic violence, and public benefits access issues. We specialize in housing law, healthcare rights, and elder abuse prevention. Our team advocates in court proceedings and administrative hearings to protect clients' basic needs.
Medicare Advocacy
We offer comprehensive Medicare assistance including benefit interpretation, claim disputes, and fraud prevention education. Our Senior Medicare Patrol program trains volunteers statewide to detect and report healthcare fraud while helping beneficiaries understand their coverage options.
Prescription Drug Appeals
Our dedicated Appeals Unit assists low-income Medicare recipients with prescription drug coverage issues. We help navigate formulary restrictions, prior authorization requirements, and cost-sharing challenges to ensure medication access for chronic conditions.
Elder Abuse Prevention
We provide legal protection against financial exploitation, physical abuse, and neglect through court interventions and guardianship proceedings. Our attorneys collaborate with social services to create safety plans and secure emergency housing when needed.
Health Insurance Counseling
Our counselors help older Mainers understand healthcare options including Medicare, Medicaid, and dual eligibility. We provide personalized guidance on enrollment, coverage gaps, and coordination of benefits through one-on-one consultations.
People
John Brautigam
Executive Director
John leads our organization with over 25 years of elder law experience, previously serving as a senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center. He specializes in housing policy and healthcare access advocacy.
Simon Beirne
Senior Staff Attorney
Simon has practiced elder law in Maine for 18 years, focusing on eviction prevention and public benefits litigation. He previously served as a law clerk for the Maine Supreme Judicial Court.
Gloria Rhode
Senior Medicare Patrol Coordinator
Gloria oversees our statewide Medicare fraud prevention program with 15 years of healthcare advocacy experience. She trains volunteers to detect billing irregularities and educates seniors about coverage rights.
Darylen Cote
Board Member
Darylen serves as community representative on our board, bringing 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience. She previously directed elder services at the Maine Association of Area Agencies on Aging.
Barbara Kirchdorfer
Finance Director
Barbara manages financial operations with 20 years of nonprofit accounting experience. She previously served as finance director for the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence.
Questions
What services does Legal Services for Maine Elders provide?
We offer free legal assistance with housing, healthcare, elder abuse prevention, Medicare advocacy, and prescription drug access for Mainers aged 60+.
Do you help with Medicare Part D prescription issues?
Yes, our dedicated Medicare Part D Appeals Unit assists low-income Mainers with prescription drug access challenges.
Are services available statewide in Maine?
We serve all Maine residents aged 60+ through our Augusta headquarters and network of regional attorneys.
How is your organization funded?
We receive funding through government grants, private donations, and partnerships with legal professionals across Maine.