• Read more about 10-148 C.M.R. ch. 31; Quality Rating and Improvement System: Rising Stars for ME

This rule outlines how the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (the Department) pays a differential rate for child care services that meets or that makes substantial progress toward meeting nationally recognized quality standards, as required by 22 M.R.S.A § 3737. The emergency rulemaking allows the Department to immediately start paying a higher quality differential to such early care and education programs, addressing the lack of access to high-quality early care and education programs in Maine, which presents an ongoing threat to Maine’s general welfare.

• Read more about Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) Swing Bed and Nursing Facility (NF) Days Awaiting Placement (DAP) Rate Updates, CRs 134801, 134803

Effective July 1, 2025, the CAH swing bed and NF DAP rates are recalculated for State Fiscal Year 2026. You can view both related memos on the rate setting page of the Health PAS Online Portal. 

• Read more about 10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 301; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Rules; Sections 555-4 and 555-5

10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 301 – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Rules; Sections 555-4 and 555-5

EMERGENCY RULE: SNAP Rule #242E – Income and Deductions Update

Effective Date:

September 18, 2025

• Read more about Delayed July 1, 2025, Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for Section 97, Appendix C, Residential Care Facilities (RCFs)

The Department is temporarily delaying implementation of the previously announced 1.0% COLA rates for RCF direct care. The Department requires additional time to make these updates, and we anticipate implementation of new rates on October 1, 2025.

Billing Guidance for Dates of Service July 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025

• Read more about Seasonal Flu Codes Updated Effective August 1, 2025, CR 134495

Effective August 1, 2025, MaineCare updated seasonal flu codes. See the table below for the new rates. 

• Read more about Update to 2024 InterQual Criteria Sheets, CR 126309

Effective September 12, 2025, we updated InterQual criteria sheets on the MaineCare Health PAS Online Portal. The criteria sheets are used to establish the medical necessity of the requested services. All decisions must align with the most current criteria sheet.

30 Day Transition Period (September 22, 2025 – October 22, 2025)

• Read more about Discontinuation of Coverage: Xifaxan (Rifaximin)*

Effective October 1, 2025, the manufacturer of Xifaxan (Rifaximin) will no longer participate in the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program which means it will not be covered by MaineCare. Please read below for alternative options.

Patient Assistance Program for Free Medication

Bausch Health Companies, Inc. offers a patient assistance program aimed at supplying free medication, including Xifaxan, to eligible patients who do not have coverage under their Medicaid pharmacy benefit.  

• Read more about Feedback Encouraged to Shape Application for Federal Funding to Support Rural Health

The State of Maine announced yesterday that it will apply for funding through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) and launched a public feedback process to help shape its application.  

• Read more about State of Maine to Apply for Rural Health Transformation Program Funding

State invites feedback to shape application for federal funding to bolster rural health

AUGUSTA-- The State of Maine announced today that it is launching a robust public engagement process to apply for funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), a new Federal initiative to bolster rural health care providers.

• Read more about 10-144 CMR chapter 276, Rules For Influenza Agent Distribution Report

The Department is proposing to repeal 10-144 CMR chapter 276, Rules For Influenza Agent Distribution Report, established January 27, 2008. The rule is obsolete following the repeal of 22 MRS § 1065 which eliminated reporting requirements specific to influenza immunization agents sold, shipped or otherwise distributed in the State of Maine. (PL 2011 c. 320).

Date, time and location of PUBLIC HEARING (if any): Not scheduled. A public hearing may be requested by contacting the person identified below for this filing. (5 MRS § 8052).