• Read more about Maine CDC Shares Tips to Avoid Illnesses from Mosquitoes

AUGUSTA – As mosquito activity increases over the summer months, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) urges residents and visitors to take precautions against exposure to mosquitoes and mosquito bites. In Maine, mosquitoes spread diseases including Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEE), Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV), and West Nile virus (WNV).

Many infected people show no symptoms. Others experience mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and weakness. Some people may experience severe symptoms, including:

• Read more about State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2024 Rate Letters for Nursing Facilities (NFs) and Residential Care Facilities (RCFs)

MaineCare will increase reimbursement rates for certain services effective July 1, 2023, through a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), in alignment with Maine P.L. 2021 ch. 639. The COLA is equal to an increase of 4.69% above the currently established rate(s), which is based on the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index for nursing homes and adult day care services as required under Maine P.L. 2017, ch. 460 (see 22 MRSA §1708, sub-§3, ¶F for NFs).  

• Read more about Upcoming Coverage Reinstatement for MaineCare Members​

During the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), the State of Maine ended MaineCare eligibility for certain individuals who were no longer eligible for full coverage and transitioned them to a Medicare Savings Plan (MSP) under federal guidance. A federal court recently reversed that guidance. As a result, some MaineCare members may be entitled to have their prior MaineCare coverage reinstated.  

Jul 7, 2023

Yesterday, the Legislature passed the final piece of the FY24-25 biennial budget that Governor Janet Mills indicated she will sign. It includes a number of initiatives that advance the health and well being of Maine people. Highlights include investments in services for children, older Mainers, people with disabilities and behavioral health challenges, and continuing support for comprehensive MaineCare reform and sound financial management.

• Read more about Budget invests in health and well being of Maine people

• Read more about Community Action Program Training for Providers: Corrected Registration Link

How Community Action Programs can help you and your patients with housing, food, childcare and more. Megan Hannan, Executive Director of Maine Community Action Partnership will highlight the services and supports that 10 agencies offer throughout the state in this no cost 30-minute webinar on July 13, 2023, at 11:30 AM. Register here.

• Read more about DHHS Research Data Request Process

DHHS collects a variety of non-public data about the services and programs we oversee and the populations we serve. This data often contains confidential consumer information that is subject to HIPAA or other confidentiality laws, rules and regulations. DHHS understands that this data can provide valuable insights for those conducting institutional or academic research.

• Read more about MaineCare Notice of Agency Rule-making Proposal, MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter II, Section 89, MaineMOM Services and Reimbursement

The Division of Policy posts all proposed and recently adopted rules on MaineCare’s Policy and Rules webpage.  This website keeps the proposed rules on file until they are finalized and until the Secretary of State website is updated to reflect the changes.  The MaineCare Benefits Manual is available on-line at the Secretary of State’s website. 

• Read more about MaineCare Notice of Agency Rule-making Proposal, MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter II, Section 89, MaineMOM Services and Reimbursement

The Division of Policy posts all proposed and recently adopted rules on MaineCare’s Policy and Rules webpage.  This website keeps the proposed rules on file until they are finalized and until the Secretary of State website is updated to reflect the changes.  The MaineCare Benefits Manual is available on-line at the Secretary of State’s website. 

• Read more about Attention Providers of Section 67 Nursing Facilities (NF) and Section 97, Residential Care Facilities (RCFs, PNMI Appendix C): Provider Rate Methodology Workgroup Presented Materials

As previously noticed, MaineCare and its vendor are hosting several work groups with interested stakeholders to obtain important feedback as part of the rate determination process. 

• Read more about Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) Certification Grants

The American Rescue plan is funding a grant opportunity through Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA). The applications will be accepted between July 1, 2023 - July 31, 2023.