Pharmacy Copayments Return with the End of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act on September 30, 2024

In accordance with federal requirements set forth in ARP, MaineCare covers COVID-19 testing, treatment, vaccine, and vaccine administration without cost sharing, for all MaineCare members through September 30, 2024. To comply with this requirement, MaineCare waived copayments for Section 80: Pharmacy Services. 

Effective October 1, 2024: 

Important COVID-19 Vaccine Coverage Information: End of Coverage for Limited Family Planning Benefit

Effective October 1, 2024, MaineCare will discontinue coverage and reimbursement for COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine administration for members covered under the Limited Family Planning benefit.  

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government declared a Public Health Emergency (PHE) and expanded coverage for certain limited benefit groups to ensure Medicaid members could access COVID-19 related healthcare services.  

Attention HCBS Providers of Clinical Therapy Services for Sections 19, 20, 21, 40, & 102: Interested Parties Engagement Session Presented Materials

As previously noticed in our Kickoff meeting Presented Materials notice, MaineCare with its vendor is holding several engagement sessions with interested parties to discuss and accept feedback that will inform the draft rates for certain HCBS services in Sections 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29, 40, 96, and 102.   

Attention Providers of Sections 14, 30, 31, 45, 90, & 103: Draft Rates Public Review & Comment: Certain Medicare Covered Family Planning Services and Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARCs)

In May of 2024, MaineCare initiated a rate determination process* for Certain Medicare Covered Family Planning Services and LARCs. As part of that process, the Department conducted a code and rate analysis for these items and services to determine an appropriate and equitable benchmark and/or reimbursement methodology to ensure continued member access to Family Planning Services.

Attention: Providers of Section 28, Rehabilitative and Community Support Services for Children with Cognitive Impairments and Functional Limitations

Section 28 providers are required to obtain a Mental Health Organization license to provide Section 28 services in accordance with the recently adopted CMR 10-144 Chapter 123, Behavioral Health Organizations Licensing Rule. Please see the Division of Licensing and Certification (DLC) March 18, 2024, notice for details.

DLC is updating that notice as follows:

Notice Regarding Electronic Signatures

The Department will update its rules regarding electronic signatures in the future. In the meantime, the Department will exercise enforcement discretion and permit providers to obtain electronic signatures from members without submitting a wet signature to the Department as required by the MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter I, sec. 1.03-8(Q), provided that the electronic signature is obtained through a system with adequate safeguards to:

Transition to Adult Services

The transition from child and youth services to adult services is a critical time in the lives of the young people served by community and State agencies. The discussions and planning that occur during the transition will influence the success or failure of young people as they move into adulthood. Transition planning serves to connect the youth's education and service experiences with anticipated adult services and supports. 

Substance Use Resources for Youth

Youth Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Corner

Children's Behavioral Heath Services has a team of staff whose focus is substance use in youth. This page has been created to make information for youth easier to find and more accessible to those who need it. On this page you will find lots of information on different topics. We recommend taking your time to look through each of the components and links. We welcome you to bookmark this page and share it with others.

Individual Planning Funds

NOTE: OBH is undergoing system and policy enhancements on our IPF account. During this time, processing any new requests are on hold. Any submitted IPF request will remain on hold, in the order in which they are received until OBH is able to renew reviewing and processing requests. We regret any inconvenience this may cause while these necessary updates are taking place.

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