• Read more about HOPE Rule #103A - Mileage Reimbursement Update

The adopted rule updates Section 4(B)(3) – Transportation to align with the rate afforded to those covered under the Maine Service Employees Association (MSEA) contract. The adopted rule refers readers to the State of Maine rate found on the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Office of State Controller at https://www.maine.gov/osc/travel/mileage-other-info. The Department determined it necessary to make a non-substantive change to provide clarity to the final rule.

• Read more about Substance Use Testing for the Workplace Rule; 10-144 CMR, chapter 265

The Department is proposing changes to 10-144 CMR chapter 265, Substance Use Testing for the Workplace Rule, to resolve a conflict resulting from the most recent rule change adopted in November 2023 that inadvertently restricts laboratories from testing non-psychoactive components of cannabis as an indicator of use of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

• Read more about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Incidence Registry Rule (new)

Maine law (22 MRS  1411) requires the Department of Health and Human Services - Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention to establish, maintain and operate a statewide amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) incidence registry. This proposed rule is to govern data collection and data release related to reportable cases of ALS for the purpose of the registry, outlining patient confidentiality and establishing requirements for annual reporting to the Department.

• Read more about Rate Determination Initiation Notice and Public Forum Invite for Section 23, Developmental and Behavioral Clinic Services: Child Abuse Evaluations

This bulletin provides notice that the Department has initiated a Rate Determination Process* for Child Abuse Evaluations under Section 23 of the MaineCare Benefits Manual (MBM). The Department is conducting this rate determination to improve member access to this service. The Department will assess, and determine as appropriate, a new rate amount or reimbursement model in accordance with Maine statute.  

• Read more about Dental Surgeries Performed in Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASC) CR 124455

On November 2, 2023, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a fact sheet outlining the Medicare payment rates for hospital outpatient and ASC services for calendar year 2024. To address patient access issues for dental services under anesthesia, CMS added new separately payable dental surgical procedures.

• Read more about Section 17, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Services Staff Requirements

Under Section 17.04-3(A)(4), ACT provider team staff must include a certified rehabilitation counselor or a certified employment specialist who has completed an Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE) approved course or an equivalent DHHS approved training.

The Department will exercise enforcement discretion of this requirement by allowing a person who is not a fully certified employment specialist or rehabilitation counselor to fill the position and obtain full certification within six months of being hired.

• Read more about REVISED Section 4, Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Rates, Effective March 9, 2024, CR 124455

In coordination with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) revision of rates effective March 9, 2024, MaineCare has updated Section 4, ASC rates.

• Read more about Pharmacy Services

Disruption of MaineCare Pharmacy Claims due to Cybersecurity

• Maine Based Pharmacies Qualifying for MaineCare Interim Payments (PDF) - March 18, 2024
• Pharma

• Read more about Maine CDC Marks Lyme Disease Awareness Month with “Little Tick, Big Deal” Campaign

Avoid ticks with prevention tips

AUGUSTA – The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) urges Maine residents and visitors to take precautions to make tick prevention a “big deal” this month. Governor Janet Mills has again proclaimed May Lyme Disease Awareness Month and this year’s theme is “Little tick, Big Deal.”

• Read more about MaineCare Provider Training Opportunities and Survey

Health PAS Online Portal Training

Beginning in June 2024, the Office of MaineCare Services, in collaboration with Gainwell Technologies, will be offering weekly training on various Health PAS Online Portal modules, listed below. These trainings will be held via Microsoft Teams, and a list of course dates and times can be found in the Event Calendar on the Health PAS Online Portal.