Concerns Over Maine’s Home Health Care Agencies

PORTLAND, MAINE — It’s hard to ignore the unsettling situation in Maine, where home health care companies seem to dominate the landscape, eerily reminiscent of a state grappling with a health crisis.

Office buildings—once bustling—now host various home health care LLCs, including some with Minnesota area codes, typically claiming to operate from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, yet almost no one appears to actually be working there.

‘The legislature needs to conduct a serious investigation of MaineCare’s provider system.’

Delving into the tale behind this perplexing scenario, we see that Maine’s problems extend far beyond mere appearances.

The influx of Somali refugees started in 2001, as families originally settled in other states began relocating to places like Portland and Lewiston in search of affordable housing. Catholic Charities Maine played a pivotal role in this, relocating many refugees to the state.

For nearly five decades, the Catholic Charities has been Maine’s main federal refugee resettlement agency, and it even assisted Angolan and Congolese migrants arriving from San Antonio to Portland in 2023, covering bus fares.

Maine’s generous General Assistance program, which provides financial support for essentials like rent, heating, and food for asylum seekers for up to 24 months, has contributed to the state being seen as a haven for those seeking refuge.

However, as time passed, many of these newcomers, dubbed “New Mainers,” established lives heavily reliant on public funds.

Blaze News took a closer look at various home health care providers in Portland, Westbrook, and Lewiston last September. Many of these offices appeared deserted despite official operating hours, and communication was often a challenge. A significant number were linked to personal Gmail accounts rather than business emails, raising eyebrows. Some agencies, curiously, were associated with Minnesota mailing addresses.

Out of the numerous calls made, only one agency, New Horizon Residential Care, answered. A representative, with a noticeable accent, mentioned that the business had closed and relocated to New Hampshire due to allegations of MaineCare fraud.

The details concerning the questionable practices of home health care agencies are staggering, with insights provided by Jon Fetherston and Steve Robinson from the Maine Wire.

One prominent agency, Legit Home Health Care (recently rebranded as Legit Home Care LLC), registered with the federal government in March 2018, and its provider record shows one administrator, Adulahi Aden, and a Portland address. Between 2019 and 2024, MaineCare disbursed over $7.1 million to Legit for supposed in-home care services.

When Blaze News visited their office, it was totally empty, although the signage remained intact.

Initially, state officials had concerns regarding Legit, as the MaineCare Office of Program Integrity had asked them to repay nearly $40,000 for inadequate documentation back in October 2022. aden contested the claim, supplied additional information, and the demand was ultimately rescinded. A following state inspection in July 2025 found no issues.

Regular nursing homes, by contrast, are subjected to more rigorous oversight with unannounced visits and mandatory assessments. However, home care agencies, like Legit, don’t face similar scrutiny.

This all gets a bit murky because of the connections involved. Legit Home Care’s ties to Halimo Mohamed, the spouse of Democrat state Rep. Yusuf Yusuf, further complicate matters.

Interestingly, Yusuf has his own agency, Care for Everyone, which accrued over $1.2 million from MaineCare between 2020 and 2024. It operates out of the same location as Affinity Home Care, which is embroiled in financial disputes with the state.

Yusuf’s ethics filings create more confusion, as they suggest that Care for Everyone and Affinity share an office, resulting in questions about transparency.

The entangled relationships between these agencies and political figures add layers of complexity to the issue.

Clearly, Legit Home Care represents just the tip of an orchestrated scheme, as several other home health agencies seem to be siphoning off public funds without facing adequate repercussions.

Several prominent cases stand out, including Holding Hands Home Health Care, which experienced a massive reduction in earnings, and Adam Healthcare Services. Notably, Luna Home Care has resisted paying back funds previously identified as overbilled while continuing to invoice for additional services.

Community Home Health Care received a staggering amount, approximately $48 million from MaineCare between 2019 and 2025, but payments were eventually halted after inquiries were made.

Another agency, Bright Future Healthier You, is now under federal scrutiny while having raked in $15.6 million during its operation.

The extent of improper payments remains a pending question for additional investigations.

In recent years, it has become apparent that many of these companies are engaging in questionable practices. A multitude of connected firms, like Gateway Community Services, along with Gateway Community Services Maine (a nonprofit), have amassed millions while facing allegations of fraudulent activities.

Amidst these concerns, Democratic Governor Janet Mills’ Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for licensing these organizations. However, scrutiny of the department reveals a lack of substantial action taken to address these issues.

The Attorney General’s Healthcare Crimes Unit has been surprisingly inactive, often declining cases presented to it, leaving many inquiries unresolved.

As this scenario unfolds, legislative representatives express frustration over the apparent lack of accountability and action, calling for a thorough examination of MaineCare’s provider system.

While taxpayers grapple with rising living expenses, questions linger about how public resources are being mismanaged. The urgency for accountability in these matters cannot be overstated.

As of now, both the Mills administration and the DHHS have not provided any comments regarding these serious allegations.

“Many of my constituents are struggling to pay their electricity bills and buy medication, while fraudsters are getting rich,” Harrington remarked, emphasizing the disarray in the system.

Many firms involved in this ongoing scandal, including Community Home Health Care and Bright Future Healthier You, have yet to respond to inquiries regarding their operations.