The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office of MaineCare Services was selected as one of 15 state Medicaid programs to participate in the Transforming Maternal Health (TMaH) Model. TMaH is an initiative led by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Under TMaH, CMS has awarded DHHS nearly $17 million to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes for Maine people, to be administered over 10 years.
TMaH builds on years of progress led by Maine DHHS and made possible through the dedication of partners across the state. Progress includes expanded postpartum coverage, statewide adoption of evidence-based safety practices in birthing hospitals, and innovative programs like MaineMOM. TMaH focuses on increasing access to high-quality care, and building a stronger, more connected maternal health system across Maine. In collaboration with the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) and community partners, MaineCare will strengthen support for pregnant and postpartum individuals, enhance rural and regional planning, improve data systems, and implement value-based payment models.
This webpage contains more about the TMaH Model, our partners, and the future of maternal health in Maine.
TMaH Three Main Pillars
Pillar I: Access to Care, Infrastructure, and Workforce Capacity
- Element 1: Increase Access to Certified Nurse Midwives
- Element 2: Increase Access to Licensed Birth Centers
- Element 3: Cover Doula Services Under MaineCare
- Element 4: Improve Data Infrastructure
- Element 5: Implement a Value-Based Maternity Services Payment Model
Pillar II: Quality Improvement and Safety
- Element 6: Support Implementation of Quality Improvement Initiatives
- Element 7: Support CMS “Birthing Friendly” Hospital Designation
Pillar III: Whole-Person Care Delivery
- Element 8: Increase Screenings, Risk Assessments and Follow Up
- Element 9: Increase Use of Home Monitoring Services
Maine-Specific Elements
Maine has elected to participate in four optional elements of the TMaH model that align with the state’s priorities and will strengthen its perinatal system of care. These elements were selected based on their potential to address identified gaps, support system integration, and improve outcomes for families across Maine.
- Create Regional Partnerships in Rural Areas
- Increase Use of Home Visits, Mobile Clinics, or Telehealth
- Cover Perinatal Community Health Worker Services
- Expand Group Prenatal Care Utilization and Coverage
Questions or want to stay informed?
Email TMaH@maine.gov for questions about the initiative, upcoming events, and meetings.
- For regular communications on TMaH and upcoming events, please sign up for MaineCare E-Messaging and opt in to the General, All Services list serv.
This project is supported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award with 100 percent funding by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.