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. 

End of the Public Health Emergency (PHE)

Starting May 12, 2023, there may have been some changes to how you access health care services as things go back to how they were before the PHE. For more information about what changed back to how it use to be, see the 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)

Testing, and Treatment for COVID-19

Does MaineCare cover COVID-19 testing and treatment?

Yes, MaineCare covers COVID-19 treatment and COVID-19 at-home tests or tests at the pharmacy with no cost to members. For more detail, see the COVID-19 At-Home Tests and Kits (PDF) - April 28, 2023.

Vaccines for COVID-19

Are COVID-19 vaccines covered by MaineCare?

Yes, COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are coverd by MaineCare with no cost to members. For more information about COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, see the Getting Vaccinated for COVID-19 (PDF) - Updated May 5, 2023.

Transportation to COVID-19 Services

Does MaineCare cover transportation to COVID-19 appointments?

Yes, 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

Coverage for the Uninsured 

Does MaineCare cover COVID-19 testing, treatment, and vaccines for uninsured people?

MaineCare testing, treatment, and vaccine coverage for people who do not have health insurance 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.

For more information, see the COVID-19 Coverage for Uninsured Individuals (PDF) - April 27, 2023.

Emergency MaineCare 

Does MaineCare cover COVID-19 emergency treatment?

After May 11, 2023, MaineCare covers COVID-19 treatment if you have Emergency MaineCare only if your healthcare provider determines that it is necessary as part of treating a medical emergency. Emergency treatment for COVID-19 is covered at no cost.This benefit does not cover vaccines. For more information, see the Emergency MaineCare and COVID-19 Services (PDF) - May 12, 2023.

We have translated the Emergency MaineCare and COVID-19 Services (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)

Who is eligible for Emergency MaineCare? 

Individuals who are not citizens of the United States and do not have documentation with Homeland Security may receive emergency services. For more information about Emergency Services, see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document (PDF).

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.