• Read more about Rate Determination Initiation Notice for a New Service Model Under Review for Future Proposal as MaineCare Benefits Manual (MBM), Section TBD: Palliative Care Interdisciplinary Team Services

This bulletin provides notice that the Department has initiated a rate determination process* for a new service model under review for future proposal as MBM, Section TBD: Palliative Care Interdisciplinary Team Services. The Office of MaineCare Services will conduct this rate determination with data and cost analytics support from the National Academy for State Health Policy’s (NASHP’s) Institute to Improve Care for People with Serious Illness.

Oct 10, 2023

Today, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced that Ian Yaffe will become the new Director of the Office for Family Independence (OFI) and current OFI Director Tony Pelotte will become a Senior Advisor for Eligibility System Reform in the Commissioner’s Office effective October 30, 2023. These changes will expand capacity and increase the Department’s ability to respond to Maine’s changing demographics, economy, and policies.

• Read more about DHHS Announces New Director of the Office for Family Independence

• Read more about Family Provider Service Option

*As of July 26, 2024, FPSOs are no longer required to register in Maine.

Please see letter for explanation here.

• Read more about Temporary Nurse Agencies

What is a Temporary Nurse Agency?

A Temporary Nurse Agency (TNA) is a business entity or subdivision thereof of a business entity that primarily provides nurses, certified nursing assistants and other qualified staff to another organization on a temporary basis within the State of Maine. A TNA does not include an agency licensed in the State of Maine as a home health care services provider. To search for a registered TNA in Maine, click here.

• Read more about Tips to Reduce Browntail Moth Hair Exposure During Fall Outdoor Activities

AUGUSTA – The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), Maine Forest Service (MFS), and 211 Maine remind Maine residents and visitors to protect themselves from browntail moth hairs this fall.

• Read more about Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) Phase 2 Trainings

The EVV requirements for Home Health providers delivering services under Section 40 were implemented on January 1, 2023.

We continue to offer weekly provider and aggregator trainings. All trainings are online via Microsoft Teams.

NOTE:  The Absorb training system has been updated to allow providers to register for trainings more than once.

EVV Training Schedule

• Read more about MaineCare Guidance for Out-of-State Births

MaineCare covers births and newborn care at out-of-state hospitals in most circumstances. Please see clarification below in response to questions from out-of-state providers about the process for submitting birthing claims to MaineCare.

• Read more about Attention Providers of Section 67 Nursing Facilities (NF): Optional State Assessment (OSA) and Federal Minimum Data Set (MDS) Assessments Required

Effective October 1, 2023, Federal MDS assessments no longer support Resource Utilization Group (RUG) III/IV grouper calculations. MaineCare reimburses NFs using a modified RUG III grouper calculation. NFs perform MDS assessments on NF residents which determines both resident level of care and NF reimbursement. This federal change will impact how NFs submit information to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and MaineCare.   

Oct 10, 2023

Today, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) released updated data on the resumption of MaineCare eligibility reviews after the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, known as “unwinding.”  “MaineCare” is the name of the state’s Medicaid program. This update with August 2023 data is available on the MaineCare Renewals Data Dashboard.

• Read more about Maine DHHS releases updated data on MaineCare eligibility reviews

• Read more about 10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 301; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Rules; Section 999-3; SNAP Rule 231P - FFY24 Budgeting Changes

Maine exercises an option for Broad Based Categorical Eligibility under 7 C.F.R.