• Read more about Change in Criteria for Adolescent Bariatric Surgeries

Effective August 1, 2023, bariatric surgery centers that hold an accreditation from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) with Adolescent Qualification will no longer be required to seek a surgical recommendation by an endocrinologist for members under the age of 21.

• Read more about Section 60 Medical Supplies and Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Update on Pricing and Prior Authorization (PA) Requirements, CR 119002

On March 23, 2023, the Office of MaineCare Services (OMS), sent notification of a reimbursement methodology change for MaineCare Benefits Manual (MBM), Chapter II, Section 60, DME.

• Read more about State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2024 Rate Letters and Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) for Nursing Facilities (NF) and Residential Care Facilities (RCFs, PNMI Appendix C)

SFY24 Rate Letters for providers of Section 67, NFs and Section 97, Appendix C, RCFs will be posted on the secure Health PAS Online Portal by July 31, 2023. Rates are effective as of July 1, 2023. 

Providers may bill for the new rates provided on their July 1, 2023, rate letters on or after the implementation dates noted below:  

• Read more about DHHS Commissioner Lambrew Announces Director for Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention 

Dr. Puthiery Va, a graduate of the University of New England, brings broad experience in public health, emergency response, clinical care, and epidemiology   

• Read more about Maine CDC Offers Tips to Prevent Getting Rabies from Bats

Bats are most active from late July to early September

AUGUSTA — The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) urges Maine people and visitors to take steps to avoid bats to reduce potential exposure to rabies. Bats are most active in Maine from late July into early September, however bat exposures can occur during any time of year. The Maine CDC encourages people to be cautious around bats, keep their distance, and know what to do after exposure to a bat.

• 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

Jul 7, 2023

As the Legislature nears the end of the 2023 Legislative Session, Maine youth and children have much to celebrate. Governor Mills has signed into law dozens of bills and nearly $400 million to strengthen Maine’s education, health care, and other systems. These actions catapult Maine to the top of the nation in areas like support for child care, free school meals and community college, and paid family and medical leave and align with and support the goals of the Children’s Cabinet, reestablished by the Governor in early 2019. 

• Read more about Major Policy Advances for Maine Children and Youth

• Read more about Service Locator Tool – Invitation to Behavioral Health Providers

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is excited to announce the creation of a Service Locator Tool hosted on Bamboo Health’s TreatmentConnection.com. The Tool will improve access to treatment for substance use and mental health issues. The goal is to publicly launch this tool in late summer 2023.

• Read more about CORRECTION TO REPORTING FORM LINK: Behavioral Health and Targeted Case Management Supplemental Payment Reporting Deadline Extended

As a follow-up to our June 21, 2022, e-message regarding Behavioral Health and Targeted Case Management supplemental payments for providers of:  

• Read more about Behavioral Health and Targeted Case Management Supplemental Payment Reporting Deadline Extended

As a follow-up to our June 21, 2022, e-message regarding Behavioral Health and Targeted Case Management supplemental payments for providers of: