The Department of Health and Human Services recognizes the need for a new standardized needs assessment tool for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) or Autism who seek services under the MaineCare Section 21 and 29 Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs. In partnership with service recipients, families, providers, and other stakeholders, the Department is beginning a process through which a needs assessment tool can be selected and implemented. This project will begin in May 2021 and is expected to continue through March 2025.
This project is part of reform work that is already underway at the Department’s Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS). The implementation of this assessment tool is expected to provide fair and equitable determinations of need as well as other beneficial changes and efficiencies within the IDD service system.
Understanding why OADS needs a reliable and conflict-free needs-assessment, and how the SIS-A was chosen:
Project Milestones
Winter 2022 – Assessment implementation start with Orientation Sessions for internal staff and stakeholders in December 2022, outreach to members, and training of interviewers and community case management staff.
Winter-Spring 2023 – Assessments begin.
Beyond Spring 2023 - Ongoing Assessments and Data Analysis to inform the A Path for ME Lifespan Project.
Announcements
Maximus Announces an Incentive to take the SIS-A
The first 800 individuals on Section 21, Section 29, or the waitlists who wish to participate will receive a one-time payment amount of $100. Those who already completed a valid SIS-A will also receive $100.
Details:
- You must be a member of Section 21 or 29 or be on the waitlists for these waivers.
- You must be among the first 800 individuals who received an assessment. Note that training assessments do not qualify, as there has already been reimbursement for training assessments.
- Other attendees at an assessment do not qualify for this member-only incentive.
- You will be compensated if you have already received a regular, non-training assessment earlier in 2023, or if you fully complete a new assessment.
Once Maximus completes 800 assessments, the incentive will end.
Contact Maximus to participate at:
Maine-SIS@maximus.com
(833) 771-4639
Business Hours: 8:00am - 5:00pm EST, M-FView the Flyer: SIS-A Incentive Flyer (PDF)
OADS Selects Maximus as the conflict-free assessor vendor for the SIS-A in Maine:
Maximus has been contracted to partner with the State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) to administer the Supports Intensity Scale for Adults (SIS-A) Assessments, beginning in Mid-Spring 2023. For more information about Maximus and details about the SIS-A and how it will work, see their website: Maximus
SIS-A Assessment Presentations
- SIS-A Member and Family Update- May 2023 (PowerPoint)
- Scheduling and Referral Process - January 2023 (PowerPoint)
- Scheduling and Referral Process - January 2023 (Zoom Recording)
- Orientation to "A Path for ME" SIS-A Assessment - December 2022 (PowerPoint)
- Orientation to "A Path for ME" SIS-A Assessment - December 2022 (Zoom Recording)
- Choosing a Fair and Reliable Needs Assessment Tool (PowerPoint)
- Choosing a Fair and Reliable Needs Assessment Tool (Zoom Recording)
Please come back to this page for updated information or send an email with your questions to OADS.NAproject@maine.gov.