• Read more about Section 45, Hospital Service Providers: Draft Rate Determination Public Forum Presented Materials and Comment Deadline

Public Review and Comment

On June 11, 2024, MaineCare held an online public forum to present the recommended draft rate methodologies, along with the rationale, for Hospital acute care, rehabilitation, and Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs). Interested parties had the opportunity to ask questions and provide public comment.

The Department will accept written comments until June 25, 2024. The Department will then respond in writing to comments with an explanation of whether and how the feedback was incorporated into the final rate determination.

• Read more about Maine CDC Reports Death from Powassan Virus

Death is the first fatal case in 2024, one of three infections identified this year from the tickborne virus

AUGUSTA – The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) today confirmed the first fatal case of Powassan virus infection in Maine this year. The death occurred in York County. The last prior death from the tickborne virus in Maine occurred in May 2023.

• Read more about 10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 332; MaineCare Eligibility Manual, Part 16 - MaineCare Rule #306P - Mortuary Trust Allowance Changes

The proposed rule changes would update the MaineCare Eligibility Manual, Part 16, Section 4.6 consistent with amendments made by Resolves 2023, Ch. 34, Resolve to Update Allowable Limits on Mortuary Trusts for the Purposes of MaineCare Eligibility.

• Read more about 10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 332, MaineCare Eligibility Manual, Parts 4 and 5, MC Rule #303P- Household Income Standard for Children and CHIP Changes

The purpose of this rule is to increase the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to 300% from 208% of the FPL for all children. The proposed rule changes would align the MaineCare Eligibility Manual with a legislative change to 22 M.R.S. § 3174-G(B) made by P.L. 2024 ch. 597, §5. The proposed rule changes would increase access to health insurance coverage.

• Read more about Maine CDC Congratulates Winners of 2024 Lyme Disease Awareness Month Poster Contest

AUGUSTA – The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) today announced the winners of the 2024 Lyme Disease Awareness Month poster contest. The Maine CDC holds the contest each year for Maine students in kindergarten to 8th grade to help raise awareness about Lyme disease and tick bite prevention. This year, the 15th year of the contest, students designed posters on the theme “Little Tick, Big Deal.”

• Read more about Attention Pharmacy Providers: Status of Restoration of Maine Point of Purchase System (MEPOPS)

The Office of MaineCare Services is continuing a phased recovery following the service outage that occurred from February 21, 2024, through March 26, 2024, due to the national cyber security issue affecting Change Healthcare. The services below are now restored in MEPOPS:

• Read more about MaineCare Rate Setting and Reform: Did You Know?

The Department’s Rate Reform initiative, which was codified into law in August of 2022, with the adoption of P.L. 2021, Ch. 639 (now MRS Title 22, 3173-J), is well under way. Consistent with the Department’s goal of providing a transparent process for rate determinations with opportunities for robust participation from interested parties, the Department is sharing the following resources.   

MaineCare Rate System Reform Webpage 

• Read more about Training Opportunity Available for Family and Caregivers of Adults Receiving Services Within Section 12, 19, and 96 Programs

The Office of Aging and Disability Services is excited to announce a virtual Mental Health training series opportunity scheduled for Monday, July 8, 2024, Thursday, July 11, 2024, and Monday, July 15, 2024. This training is being provided under collaboration with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Maine and is available for caregivers providing care to Section 12, 19, and 96 members. Caregivers can include personal support staff, attendants, home health aides, nurses or other natural and family supports.

• Read more about Apply to Present at the 2024 MaineCare Delivery System Reform Forums

MaineCare’s Delivery System Reform (DSR) Annual Forums will be held on:

• September 16, 2024, in Auburn, ME
• September 24, 2024, in Orono, ME

This year, MaineCare is turning the tables and wants to hear from YOU! Consider applying to be a presenter.

• Read more about Reminder for Billing Attending Provider on UB-04 and 837I Claims, CR 110840

This is a reminder that the attending provider is required on all UB-04 and 837I claims. MaineCare denies UB-04 and 837I claims submitted without an enrolled attending provider.

The attending provider is the individual who has overall responsibility for the patient’s medical care and treatment reported in the claim/encounter. The attending provider requirement includes all claim submission methods (paper, HealthPAS Online Portal, or 837I).