Maine CDC Encourages Continued Precautions Against Tick Bites This Winter
As Lyme cases reach record levels, ticks remain active
AUGUSTA – The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) encourages Maine residents and visitors to remain vigilant against tick bites this winter, as the number of Lyme disease cases continues to rise and ticks remain active above freezing temperatures.
The Maine CDC has reported a record number of Lyme disease cases so far in 2023, with 2,706 cases as of December 7, 2023. The Maine CDC has also reported a record five cases of Powassan in 2023.
Microdyn Update for Ambulatory Payment Classifications (APCs), and Diagnostic Related Groups (DRG’s), CRs 120481, 120482, 120475, 120743
Effective October 28, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) quarterly updates are complete in MIHMS.
The following CMS documents provide the details of the APC updates:
MaineCare Provider Enrollment Presentation and Listening Session
You are invited to a provider enrollment presentation and listening session where the Office of MaineCare Services (OMS) and Gainwell Technologies will deliver presentations on enrollment and listen to any comments from providers, including ideas for potential solutions to challenges. The objectives of this session include:
Notice of MaineCare Reimbursement Methodology Change: MaineCare Benefits Manual, Section 67, Nursing Facility Services
Notice of MaineCare Reimbursement Methodology Change
AGENCY: Department of Health and Human Services, Office of MaineCare Services
SERVICES INCLUDED: Chapter 101, MaineCare Benefits Manual, Section 67, Nursing Facility Services
NATURE OF PROPOSED CHANGES: The Department plans to submit a State Plan Amendment in the near future identifying the following:
Attention Providers: MaineCare Logo Survey Now Available
The MaineCare team is working to develop a MaineCare logo that will be used to strengthen our identity when we engage with stakeholders and assist in outreach in our communities.
We want your help! Please take a couple of minutes to complete this survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SHXNW2F
Commissioner Lambrew Appears Before Government Oversight Committee
Joined by Acting Child and Family Services Director Bobbi Johnson
Health and Human Services Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew appeared before the Government Oversight Committee today to provide testimony on the child welfare system. She was joined by Bobbi Johnson, Acting Director of the Office of Child and Family Services.
The remarks of Commissioner Lambrew and Acting Director Johnson, as prepared for delivery, are below.
Commissioner Lambrew:
10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 333; Low Cost Drugs for the Elderly and Disabled (DEL) Manual; MC Rule #305P - DEL Asset Test Removal
The proposed rule change would remove the asset test, Section 2.1, effective retroactive to January 1, 2024. The proposed rule change is based on a legislative change to 22 M.R.S. § 254-D(4)(B) made by P.L. 2023, ch. 412, Part EEEEE. This rule change is consistent with a recent MaineCare Eligibility Manual proposed rule change which would remove the asset test for all Medicare Savings Plan coverage types. Retroactive rulemaking is permissible under 22 M.R.S.
10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 301; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Rules; Section 999-3; Rule #231A - FFY24 Budgeting Changes
Maine exercises an option for Broad Based Categorical Eligibility under 7 C.F.R. § 273.2(j)(2) which includes a 200% Federal Poverty Level (FPL) test.
MaineCare Notice of Agency Rule-making Adoption, MaineCare Benefits Manual Chapter II, Section 89
The Division of Policy posts all proposed and recently adopted rules on MaineCare’s Policy and Rules webpage. This website keeps the proposed rules