MaineCare Notice of Agency Rule-making Proposal, MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter II, Section 65, Behavioral Health Services
The Division of Policy posts all proposed and recently adopted rules on MaineCare’s Policy and Rules webpage. This website keeps the rules on file until they are finalized and until the Secretary of State website is updated to reflect the changes. The MaineCare Benefits Manual is available on-line at the Secretary of State’s website.
Below, please find a MaineCare Notice of Agency Rule-making Proposal. You can access the complete rule at http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oms/rules/index.shtml.
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Notice of Agency Rulemaking Proposal
AGENCY: Department of Health and Human Services, MaineCare Services
CHAPTER NUMBER AND TITLE: 10-144, C.M.R. Chapter 101, MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter II, Section 65, Behavioral Health Services and Chapter 101, MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter III, Section 65, Behavioral Health Services
TYPE OF RULE: Routine Technical
PROPOSED RULE NUMBER:
BRIEF SUMMARY:
The Department of Health and Human Services proposes to significantly update descriptions of covered services and make other changes in part to assure compliance with the state of Maine’s settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice. The rulemaking will remove crisis residential and crisis resolution services from Ch. II, Sec. 65 for inclusion in the new companion Ch. II, Sec. 66. The Department also proposes to repeal Ch III, Sec. 65; move provisions for provider reimbursement from Ch. III, Sec. 65 into Ch. II, Sec. 65; and remove rates of reimbursement and list them in rate schedules on the Department’s website. The rulemaking will update and improve the descriptions of most covered services, including important changes to Children’s ACT and HCT service requirements. The proposed rules and accompanying Fact Sheet detailing these and other changes may be viewed in their entirety at http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oms/rules/index.shtml.
Date, time and location of PUBLIC HEARING:
The Department will hold a combined in-person and remote (via Zoom) public hearing.
Monday, December 22nd, 2025, at 10:00 AM
Location: State Office Building, Conference Rooms Maine A and Maine B
109 Capitol Street, Augusta, ME
Zoom Meeting link: https://mainestate.zoom.us/j/82636950379
Meeting ID: 826 3695 0379
Some devices may require downloading a free app from Zoom prior to joining the public hearing event. The Department requests that any individual requiring special arrangements to attend the hearing in person contact the agency person listed below 5 days in advance of the hearing.
In addition to the public hearing, individuals may submit written comments to the Department by the date listed in this notice.
COMMENT DEADLINE: Comments must be received by 11:59 pm on January 1st, 2026
CONTACT PERSON FOR THIS FILING:
Steven Fritzsche, Comprehensive Health Planner II
MaineCare Services
109 Capitol Street, 11 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0011
(207) 624-4031 FAX: (207) 287-1864
TTY users call Maine relay 711
CONTACT PERSON FOR SMALL BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT: same as above
FINANCIAL IMPACT ON MUNICIPALITIES OR COUNTIES: The Department anticipates that this rulemaking will not have any impact on municipalities or counties.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY FOR THIS RULE: 22 M.R.S. §§ 42, 3173, 3173-J; 42 C.F.R. Part 8; P.L. 2023, ch. 546; P.L 2023, ch. 643; P.L. 2025, ch. 2
SUBSTANTIVE STATE OR FEDERAL LAW BEING IMPLEMENTED: same as above