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.
- Provider Billing Guidance for COVID-19 (PDF) - June 5, 2023
- Update on Verbal Consent in Place of Signitures: End of PHE - May 26, 2023
- New Codes for Pfizer and Moderna Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccines - May 26, 2023
- Discontinued Laboratory Codes Related to COVID-19 - May 26, 2023
- Flexibilities Continuing: After the End of PHE (PDF) - May 16, 2023
- End of PHE Guidance for Behavioral Health (PDF) - May 16, 2023
- End of PHE Guidance for Long Term Services and Supports (PDF) - May 16, 2023
- COVID-19 Update for Pharmacies (PDF) - May 11, 2023
- End of PHE Copayment Guidance (PDF) - May 11, 2023
- MaineCare Standing Order for COVID-19 At-Home Tests and Collection Kits (PDF) - Updated May 5, 2023
- Provider Enrollment Processes Changes: End of PHE (PDF) - May 5, 2023
- Temporary Rate Increase Update for Congregate Care Facilities (Includes Outbreak Rates) (PDF) - Updated May 1, 2023
- Provider Guidance for Uninsured Individuals (PDF) - Updated April 27, 2023
- Supplemental Payment FAQs for Sections 2, 67, 97 (Appendix C) (PDF) - Updated April 26, 2023
- General Information for Providers Regarding the End of the PHE (PDF) - April 25, 2023
- Retainer Payment Guidance and Attestation Form (PDF) - Updated April 24, 2023
- COVID-19 Vaccination Code Update (PDF) - Updated April 18, 2023
- COVID-19 Coding and Billing Guidance (PDF) - Updated November 28, 2022
- Verbal Consent Update (PDF) - July 14, 2020
- Telehealth Guidance for HCBS Providers - May 28, 2020
- CMS Guidance on Telehealth (PDF)
- MaineCare Telehealth and COVID-19 Guidance (PDF) - Updated April 16, 2020
Starting May 12, 2023, some billing flexibilities and how MaineCare members access health care services reverted to how they were administered prior to the declaration of the PHE. The documents and links below are available for historical reference so please be aware of the publication dates.
Member Information
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COVID-19 Vaccine and Booster Shots for Six Months and Older (PDF) - February 6, 2023
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MaineCare members will not be charged for Monoclonal Antibody Treatment if you are eligible for it. For more information about this treatment, see the Monoclonal Treatment for COVID-19 Questions and Answers (PDF) - Updated November 29, 2022
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Information about COVID-19 Vaccines Member Letter: Youth Ages Six Months and Older (PDF) - Updated August 4, 2022
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MaineCare's Pharmacy Services and Coronavirus: Questions and Answers for Members (PDF). - March 23, 2020
General Guidance
- Monoclonal Antibodies Treatment (PDF) - Updated March 3, 2023
- Alternate Settings Guidance (PDF) - Updated May 12, 2022
- Standing Order for COVID-19 Lab Testing (PDF) - Updated June 29, 2021
- 1135 Waiver: Prior Authorization Flexibility (PDF) - Updated January 28, 2021
- MaineCare and DOE Back to School Guidance (PDF) - September 1, 2020
- Provider Relief Fund Tip Sheet (PDF) - July 16, 2020
- Provider Relief Fund Fact Sheet (PDF) - July 8, 2020
- Guidance for Health Care Providers on Restarting Maine's Economy (PDF) - April 30, 2020
- Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) and COVID-19 Related Impacts (PDF) - April 17, 2020
- MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter I, Section 5, COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Services
Federal Approvals
- Appendix K Application (PDF) - May 20, 2020
- Appendix K Approval Letter (PDF) - May 20, 2020
- Disaster Relief State Plan Amendment Overview (PDF) - April 27, 2020
- 1135 Waiver Overview (PDF) - April 8, 2020
- 1135 Waiver Approval Notice
- April 7, 2020
- 1135 Waiver Application (PDF) - April 2, 2020
Behavioral Health
- COVID-19 Guidance for Section 97, PNMI Appendix E Providers (PDF) - November 1, 2021
- Guidance for Opioid Treatment Providers and Third Party Poxy Methadone Permission Form - May 21, 2020
- MaineCare Behavioral Health Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) - Updated May 6, 2020
- MaineCare Guidance on Section 65, Home and Community-Based (HCT) Providers (PDF) - March 31, 2020
- MaineCare Guidance on Sections 17, 28, and 65 (PDF) - March 20, 2020
Long Term Care Services and Supports
- DHHS Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) FMAP Plan webpage
- HCBS Recruitment and Retention FAQs (PDF) - Updated February 28, 2022
- Maine CDC Guidance for Long-Term Care Facilities (PDF)
- Maine CDC Letter to Long-Term Care Facilities and Assisted Housing Facilities (PDF)
Pharmacies
- MaineCare Coverage of COVID-19 Testing at Pharmacies - July 17, 2020
- MaineCare Guidance for Pharmacies and Prescribers (PDF) - March 26, 2020
- MaineCare Notice to Pharmacies: Important Information for MaineCare Members (PDF) - March 17, 2020
Telehealth
- MaineCare Telehealth Codes Update (PDF) - March 25, 2021
- FCC Guidance on COVID-19 Application Process (PDF) - April 17, 2020
- NETRC Telehealth Implementation Toolkit – Maine Edition
- April 9, 2020
- NETRC's Provider's Guide (PDF)
- Updated April 9, 2020
- CMS Telehealth Video
- April 3, 2020
- Telehealth Best Practices for Providers
- April 2, 2020
- Telehealth Townhall for Maine Healthcare Providers - March 26, 2020