COVID-19 & Public Health Emergency (PHE)

The federal DHHS declared the Public Health Emergency (PHE) ended on May 11, 2023. We are working to update information on this webpage and to ensure we communicate about the flexibilities allowed during the PHE, indicating what will change or remain as a result of the PHE ending. 

To support the MaineCare providers through this transitional period, MaineCare developed a provider-only e-mail box to submit questions related to the end of the PHE. 

Coverage for the Uninsured 

MaineCare testing, treatment, and vaccine coverage for the uninsured ended on May 11, 2023 with the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE). If your coverage ended, you received a letter, text, or email from the Office for Family Independence. This letter gave you options for health coverage. You can also apply for full MaineCare online through My Maine Connection.

Can I get COVID-19 test if I don't have health insurance?

Yes, you can get COVID-19 vaccine, testing, and treatment for services you received before May 11, 2023 even if you do not have other health insurance. For more information, see the COVID-19 Coverage for Uninsured Individuals (PDF) - April 27, 2023

Emergency MaineCare 

Emergency MaineCare covers COVID-19 testing and treatment for those who are not citizens or do not have documentation with Homeland Security, if your healthcare provider determines they are necessary as part of treating a medical emergency. This benefit does not cover vaccines.

• Emergency MaineCare and COVID-19 Services (PDF) - May 12, 2023

End of the Public Health Emergency (PHE)

End of the PHE Member Letter (PDF) - April 19, 2023

We have translated the End of the PHE Member Letter (PDF) into the following languages:

al arabiya) العربية | français | ភាសាខ្មែរ (bhāsā khmɛ̄r) | kiswahili | 

中国人 | português | af Soomaali | español/castellano | tiếng việt (㗂越)

COVID-19 Testing and Treatment

MaineCare members who are tested for COVID-19 will not be charged for a test, at the pharmacy or for an at-home test. For more detail, see the COVID-19 At-Home Tests and Kits (PDF) - April 28, 2023

Vaccines for COVID-19

MaineCare members will not be charged for a COVID-19 vaccine or booster. See the documents below for more information.

• Getting Vaccinated for COVID-19 (PDF) - Updated May 5, 2023

Transportation to COVID-19 Services

MaineCare members can get transporation to get a COVID-19 vaccine, booster, test, or treatment. For more information see the Transportation and COVID-19 Questions and Answers (PDF) - Updated July 15, 2022

Getting Services During the Public Health Emergency (PHE)

What did MaineCare change to help you get health care during the COVID-19 pandemic and PHE?

We have made several changes that will continue until May 11, 2023. See the MaineCare Changes to Improve Members' Access to Healthcare Services (PDF) for ways we tried to make sure you receive the services you need during the PHE. - Updated April 24, 2023

Information for MaineCare Providers

If you are not already subscribed to MaineCare's e-message service, please sign up to receive important messages related to COVID-19. If you have questions about COVID-19 and MaineCare, contact us through our provider-only e-mail box. Provider-specific guidance is also available on the federal CDC's Information for Healthcare Professionals about Coronavirus (COVID-19) webpage.