Lifespan Waiver Provider Resources

This page offers a variety of tools and resources designed to help providers gain the knowledge needed to effectively deliver Lifespan Waiver services in Maine.

You’ll find details about the Lifespan Provider Readiness Project, which will run through June of 2025, in preparation for the launch of the Lifespan Waiver. Even after the project concludes, this page will continue to serve as a long-term resource for providers of Lifespan services.

Lifespan Provider Readiness Project

Launched in spring 2024, and presented to the provider network in fall 2024, the project is partnering with National Disability Institute (NDI) to help the provider network build capacity for the upcoming Lifespan Waiver implementation. OADS and the provider network have been collaborating since 2023 to support the Innovation Pilot Grant project.

As part of this effort, the project is developing a technical assistance application. Providers may receive support in the form of technical assistance and/or a stipend to help them prepare for Lifespan Waiver services.

Project Kickoff

The project will launch with a Kick-off meeting for providers interested in committing to offer services under Lifespan, scheduled for 10/31/2024 at 1-2:30 PM.  Registration for that event will be via Zoom, and the link for registration has been distributed through OADS’ listserve.  If you need a registration link, please contact OADS.LifespanProject@maine.gov.

Who can apply?

  • Any current provider of MaineCare services under waivers Section 20, 21, 29, and Section 13 (Targeted Case Management)
  • Any new provider who has already been approved as a provider for the existing waivers and may or may not yet be delivering services.

If your agency has been awarded a stipend, how can award stipends be used?

  • Training costs
  • Consultation
  • Staff Costs
  • Technology/Equipment
  • Supplies to support transition/readiness activity

Award amounts

OADS reviewed a provider survey conducted in Spring 2024 to gather insights into organizations considering Lifespan services, their locations, readiness priorities, and intended service counties. This data was instrumental in shaping the structure of the stipend awards.

Awards

If qualified for Lifespan Readiness support, both technical assistance resources and the possibility of a stipend may be awarded to the applicant.  Award amounts will vary based on the following factors:

  • The number of services the applicant is planning to implement under Lifespan
  • Whether the applicant intends to offer services in the currently under-served counties of Maine, including  Aroostook, Franklin, Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Washington

How to Apply

The application must be completed online by a designated representative from your agency. Before selecting a representative, please review the information above and decide which Lifespan services and counties your agency will serve. Only one application should be submitted per agency.

Learn more details about the application process

Access the application

Important dates (subject to change)

Application Deadline: December 20, 2024 End of Business Day

Award determination and notification: January 2025

Initial Award Stipends paid: February 2025

Final Award Stipends paid: June 2025

Project closure:  Online resources will be available through the start of the Lifespan waiver, which is anticipated in 2025. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

An FAQ document will be available and posted in “More Resources” once we gather the common questions.  Please review that document when it is published prior to submitting your questions.

Contact Us:

Please send questions, comments or feedback on the Provider Readiness Project to: MaineReadiness@ndi-inc.org Please send general questions about the Lifespan project to:  OADS.LifespanProject@maine.gov