• Read more about Notice of Rule Adoption: 10-144 CMR Chapter 269, Self-Contained Breath Alcohol Testing Equipment Rule

The Department adopted amendments to Maine’s Rules Governing Self-Contained Breath Alcohol Testing Equipment to coincide with the expiration of the current rule adopted on an emergency basis and effective on May 28, 2024. (5 MRS 8054(3)). Consistent with the proposed rule, this routine technical rule qualifies the use of a dry gas standard, ensuring that testing equipment for calibrating units under 10-144 CMR Chapter 269 remains current with industry practice for performing accuracy checks and calibration adjustments on most evidential breath alcohol testing instruments.

• Read more about Section 45, Hospital Diagnostic Related Group (DRG) and Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC) Reimbursement Changes Effective July 1, 2024

The Department notified Hospitals on July 25, 2024, of changes to DRG and APC reimbursements, effective July 1, 2024. 

MaineCare updated its claims system on August 20, 2024, to reflect these changes.

• Read more about Maine CDC Issues Advisories on Eating Freshwater Fish Due to PFAS Contamination at the Former Naval Air Station in Brunswick

AUGUSTA -- The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) today issued new freshwater fish consumption advisories recommending either no consumption or limited consumption of fish from four waterbodies located on and around the former naval air station in Brunswick, Maine.

• Read more about Post Incarceration Incentive Payment Pilot Update

In December of last year, MaineCare announced the Post Incarceration Incentive Payment Pilot. Please refer to our previous notice for additional information on this Incentive Payment Pilot and how to be eligible for the incentive payment. To date, over 46 organizations have qualified, and the Department has paid more than $50,000 in incentive payments for eligible claims. 

• Read more about SNAP Rule #233A - Lottery and Gambling Winnings

The adopted rule updates Section 444-12 based on a legislative change to 22 M.R.S. § 3104(16) made by P.L. 2024, ch. 501. The adopted rule change aligns Maine law with the Code of Federal Regulations as it relates to disqualifications based on gambling or lottery winnings. Applying one standard instead of two clarifies requirements for recipients and the Department without having an adverse impact on program integrity.

In addition, the Department determined it necessary to make non-substantial changes in FS 444-12 for consistency within the rule. These changes include:

• Read more about MaineCare Rule #308P - Eligibility and Verification Changes

The Department proposes rule changes to the MaineCare Eligibility Manual, Part 2, Basic Eligibility Criteria consistent with the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services’ “2023 Streamlining Medicare Savings Program Enrollment” final rule (89 FR 22780). The proposed rule removes the requirement that applicants apply for other benefits as a condition of MaineCare eligibility.

• Read more about MC 307A - Medicare Savings Program Income Eligibility Changes

The adopted rule effectuates the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) increases in the MaineCare Eligibility Manual, Part 8, Medicare Savings Program (Buy-In) and are based on a legislative change to 22 M.R.S. § 3174-LLL made by P.L. 2023, ch. 412. Part 8, Section 4.1(I)(B) increases the FPL to 185% from 150% FPL. Part 8, Section 4.2 adds “The rules in this Section apply through June 30, 2024.”

• Read more about MaineCare Rule #306A - Mortuary Trust Allowance Changes

The adopted rule updated 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 MaineCare Rule #303A - Household Income Standard for Children and CHIP Changes

The adopted rule increased the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to 300% from 208% of the FPL for all children. The adopted rule aligns 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 adopted rule is anticipated to increase access to health insurance coverage.

• Read more about MaineCare Notice of Agency Rule-making Proposal, MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter III, Section 45, Principles of Reimbursement for Hospital Services

The Division of Policy posts all proposed and recently adopted rules on MaineCare’s Policy and Rules webpage. This website keeps the 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.