AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee voted unanimously on Thursday in support of legislation sponsored by Rep. Jessica Fay, D-Raymond, that would allow the parents of children with disabilities who are MaineCare eligible to be paid to provide personal care services.
Currently, members of eligible MaineCare recipients over 18 years old with disabilities can be paid through a financial agent for providing approved personal care to that MaineCare member. However, this option does not exist for parents of children under 18 years old.
"Maine continues to have a serious shortage of care workers," said Fay. "Parents struggling to find personal care for their disabled children often must leave the workforce to provide it themselves. Offering financial support to parents who are caring for their children with disabilities grants families the support they need without adding significant financial challenges."
As amended, the legislation requires the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to file a state plan amendment to the MaineCare section governing home care in order to allow parents to provide care for their disabled children through a fiscal intermediary.
The bill faces further votes in the House and Senate in the coming weeks.
Fay, House chair of the Government Oversight Committee and a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs, is serving her fourth term in the Maine House of Representatives. She serves the community members of Casco, Frye Island, Raymond and part of Poland.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Fay], c. 305-965-2744