The federal government declared the Public Health Emergency (PHE) will end on May 11, 2023. We are working to update information on this webpage and to ensure we communicate about the flexibilities allowed during the PHE, indicating what will change or remain as a result of the PHE ending.
To support the MaineCare providers through this transitional period, MaineCare developed a provider-only e-mail box to submit questions related to the end of the PHE.
COVID-19 Coverage for Individuals with Temporary COVID-19 Coverage for the Uninsured and Emergency MaineCare
This coverage will end on May 11, 2023 with the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE). If your coverage is ending, you will receive a letter, text, or email from the Office for Family Independence.
Can I get COVID-19 test if I don't have health insurance?
Yes, you can get COVID-19 vaccine, testing, and treatment until May 11, 2023 even if you do not have other health insurance.
- COVID-19 Coverage for Uninsured Individuals (PDF) - May 12, 2021
- COVID-19 Coverage for Uninsured Invididuals (PDF) is translated into several languages:
al arabiya) العربية | français | ភាសាខ្មែរ (bhāsā khmɛ̄r) | Kreyòl ayisyen | lingála | português | af Soomaali | español/castellano | tiếng việt (㗂越)
Does Emergency MaineCare Cover COVID-19 tests or treatment?
Emergency MaineCare covers COVID-19 testing and treatment.
- Emergency MaineCare Coverage and COVID-19 Services - May 20, 2020
- Emergency MaineCare Coverage and COVID-19 Services (PDF) is translated into several languages:
al arabiya) العربية | français | ភាសាខ្មែរ (bhāsā khmɛ̄r) | íkiRǔndi | lingála | português | af Soomaali | español/castellano | tiếng việt (㗂越)
Information for MaineCare Members
End of the Public Health Emergency (PHE)
End of the PHE Member Letter (PDF) - April 25, 2023
COVID-19 Vaccine, Booster Shot, Testing, and Treatment Information
Testing and Treatment
- MaineCare members who are tested for COVID-19 will not be charged for a test, at the pharmacy or for an at-home test. See the COVID-19 At-Home Test Kits are Covered at No Cost to MaineCare Members (PDF) - December 22, 2021
- MaineCare members will not be charged for Monoclonal Antibody Treatment if you are eligible for it. For more information about this treatment, see the Monoclonal Treatment for COVID-19 Questions and Answers (PDF) - Updated November 29, 2022
Getting Vaccinated for COVID-19
- MaineCare members will not be charged for a COVID-19 vaccination or booster. See the documents below for more information.
- Information about Booster Shots for COVID-19 (PDF) - November 4, 2022
- Getting Vaccinated for COVID-19 (PDF) - Updated February 6, 2023
- Getting Vaccinated for COVID-19 (PDF) is translated into several languages:
al arabiya) العربية | français | ភាសាខ្មែរ (bhāsā khmɛ̄r) | Kreyòl ayisyen | lingála | português | af Soomaali | español/castellano | tiếng việt (㗂越)
- Information about COVID-19 Vaccines Member Letter: Youth Ages Six Months and Older (PDF) - Updated August 4, 2022
- COVID-19 Vaccine and Booster Shots for Six Months and Older (PDF) - February 6, 2023
- COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Youth Ages Five Years and Older (PDF) is translated into several languages:
al arabiya) العربية | français | ភាសាខ្មែរ (bhāsā khmɛ̄r) | Kreyòl ayisyen | lingála | português | af Soomaali | español/castellano | tiếng việt (㗂越)
Transportation to COVID-19 Services
Is there help with transportation to get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster?
- Transportation and COVID-19 Questions and Answers (PDF) - Updated July 15, 2022
Getting Services and Treatment
What did MaineCare change to help you get health care during the COVID-19 pandemic?
- We have made several changes that will continue until May 11, 2023. See the MaineCare Changes to Improve Members' Access to Healthcare Services (PDF) for ways we tried to make sure you receive the services you need during the PHE. - April 6, 2020
- For information about how we made getting your medications easier for you during the pandemic, see the MaineCare's Pharmacy Services and Coronavirus: Questions and Answers (PDF). - March 23, 2020
Information for MaineCare Providers
If you are not already subscribed to MaineCare's e-message service, please sign up to receive important messages related to COVID-19. If you have questions about COVID-19 and MaineCare? Contact us through our provider-only e-mail box. Provider-specific guidance is also available on the federal CDC's Information for Healthcare Professionals about Coronavirus (COVID-19) webpage.
- Monoclonal Antibodies Treatment (PDF) - Updated March 3, 2023
- Alternate Settings Guidance (PDF) - Updated May 12, 2022
- Retainer Payment Guidance and Attestation Form (PDF) - Updated May 12, 2022
- Retainer Payment Examples (PDF) - August 30, 2021
- COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage Update (PDF) - Updated March 21, 2023
- Provider Guidance for Uninsured Individuals (PDF) - Updated November 28, 2022
- Standing Order for COVID-19 Lab Testing (PDF) - Updated June 29, 2021
- MaineCare and DOE Back to School Guidance (PDF) - September 1, 2020
- Verbal Consent Update (PDF) - July 14, 2020
- Provider Relief Fund Fact Sheet (PDF) - July 8, 2020
- Provider Relief Fund Tip Sheet (PDF) - July 16, 2020
- COVID-19 Coding and Billing Guidance (PDF) - Updated November 28, 2022
- COVID-19 Billing Codes (PDF) - Updated March 21, 2023
- Guidance for Health Care Providers on Restarting Maine's Economy (PDF) - April 30, 2020
- Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) and COVID-19 Related Impacts (PDF) - April 17, 2020
- MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter I, Section 5, COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Services
Federal Approvals
- Appendix K Application (PDF) - May 20, 2020
- Appendix K Approval Letter (PDF) - May 20, 2020
- Disaster Relief State Plan Amendment Overview (PDF) - April 27, 2020
- 1135 Waiver Overview (PDF) - April 8, 2020
- 1135 Waiver Approval Notice
- April 7, 2020 - 1135 Waiver Application (PDF) - April 2, 2020
Prior Authorizations
- 1135 Waiver: Prior Authorization Flexibility (PDF) - Updated January 28, 2021
Provider Enrollment
- Provider Enrollment Process (PDF) - Updated April 18, 2023
Telehealth
- MaineCare Telehealth Codes Update (PDF) - March 25, 2021
- Telehealth Guidance for HCBS Providers - May 28, 2020
- CMS Guidance on Telehealth (PDF)
- FCC Guidance on COVID-19 Application Process (PDF) - April 17, 2020
- MaineCare Telehealth and COVID-19 Guidance (PDF) - Updated April 16, 2020
- NETRC Telehealth Implementation Toolkit – Maine Edition - April 9, 2020
- NETRC's Provider's Guide (PDF) - Updated April 9, 2020
- CMS Telehealth Video - April 3, 2020
- Telehealth Best Practices for Providers - April 2, 2020
- Telehealth Townhall for Maine Healthcare Providers - March 26, 2020
Behavioral Health
- COVID-19 Guidance for Section 97, PNMI Appendix E Providers (PDF) - November 1, 2021
- Guidance for Opioid Treatment Providers and Third Party Poxy Methadone Permission Form - May 21, 2020
- MaineCare Behavioral Health Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) - Updated May 6, 2020
- MaineCare Guidance on Section 65, Home and Community-Based (HCT) Providers (PDF) - March 31, 2020
- MaineCare Guidance on Sections 17, 28, and 65 (PDF) - March 20, 2020
Long Term Care Services and Supports
- DHHS Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) FMAP Plan webpage
- HCBS Recruitment and Retention FAQs (PDF) - Updated February 28, 2022
- Supplemental Payment FAQs for Sections 2, 67, 97 (Appendix C) (PDF) - Updated August 3, 2022
- Temporary Rate Increase Update for Congregate Care Facilities (PDF) - May 29, 2020
- Maine CDC Guidance for Long-Term Care Facilities (PDF)
- Maine CDC Letter to Long-Term Care Facilities and Assisted Housing Facilities (PDF)
Pharmacies
- MaineCare Standing Order for COVID-19 At-Home Tests and Collection Kits (PDF) - December 10, 2021
- MaineCare Coverage of COVID-19 Testing at Pharmacies - July 17, 2020
- MaineCare Guidance for Pharmacies and Prescribers (PDF) - March 26, 2020
- MaineCare Notice to Pharmacies: Important Information for MaineCare Members (PDF) - March 17, 2020