Nov 11, 2024

Maine Launches TIME Project to Enhance ASL Interpreting Services Across the State

View the new TIME website which includes an announcement about the TIME Project needs assessment.

Overview

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has launched the Transforming Interpreting Maine (TIME) Project, an initiative aimed at improving ASL interpreting services across the state, with the goal of enhancing outcomes for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing residents in Maine.

• Read more about DHHS Launches Project to Uplift American Sign Language/English Interpreting Services for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Residents: Announcing Transforming Interpreting Maine (TIME)

• Read more about Behavioral Health Section 65 Copays, CR 128193 and CR 127534

Section 65 Behavioral Health Copays turned off on October 1, 2024, meaning copayments are no longer deducted from claims payments. However, MaineCare did not deduct copayments from claims payments and adjustments processed beginning in September 2024, in error. We will reprocess affected claims. No action is required by providers. 

For questions, please email Pamela Grotten, Provider Relations Specialist. 

• Read more about Locally Acquired Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Infection Identified in a Maine Resident

Public reminded to monitor for signs of mosquito-borne illness

AUGUSTA -- The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) announced today the detection of a locally acquired Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEE) in a Maine resident. This is the first Maine resident to become infected with EEE this year, and the first since 2015.

• Read more about Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Draft Rate Methodology Presented Materials & Comment Deadline

On November 6, 2024, MaineCare held an online public meeting to present the recommended draft rate methodology along with rationale for the CCBHC Medicaid Demonstration. Interested parties had the opportunity to provide public comments.   

Nov 11, 2024

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) recently published important new data in the scientific Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. The research comes from a study on the movement of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from soil into grass-based forages grown for livestock feed on contaminated land from the land application of wastewater sludge.

• Read more about Maine CDC Advances Understanding of PFAS in Crops Grown for Livestock Feed

• Read more about TANF Proposed Rule #122 - Mileage Reimbursement Update

10-144 C.M.R. Chapter 331; Public Assistance Manual Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Manual, Chapter V

TANF Rule #122P – Mileage Reimbursement Update

• Read more about General Assistance Proposed Rule #26

10-144 C.M.R. Chapter 323; Maine General Assistance (GA) Manual, Sections II, III, V, VI, VII, X, XI, XII and XIII

GA Rule #26P – P.L. 2024, Chapters 575 and 643

The proposed rule changes would update the Maine General Assistance (GA) Manual consistent with legislative changes to 22 M.R.S. §§ 4302, 4304 and 4305 made by P.L. 2024, Chapters 575 and 643.

• Read more about General Assistance Emergency Rule #26 Adoption

EMERGENCY RULE - GENERAL ASSISTANCE (GA) Program

10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 323; MAINE GENERAL ASSISTANCE Manual; Section V

GA Rule #26E – P.L. 2024 Ch. 642

The Department adopts this emergency rule, which amends10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 323, Maine General Assistance (GA) Manual, Section V, MAXIMUMS, CATEGORIES AND LEVELS OF ASSISTANCE, to align with a legislative change to 22 M.R.S. § 4308(2) made by P.L. 2024 Ch. 643.

• Read more about MaineCare Notice of Agency Rule-making Adoption, 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.

• Read more about Public Forum Postponed: Section 107, Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTFs) Revisions to Previously Proposed Draft Rates

The public forum to present revisions to the previously proposed draft rates and model for PRTF services that was scheduled for November 6, 2024, has been postponed. The Department will reschedule this forum and send notice of the new date and time. Please watch for a future notice. We appreciate your ongoing patience and apologize for any inconvenience.   

For questions, please contact Dwayne Parsons, MaineCare’s Manager of Rate Setting and Reform.