Provider Application and Onboarding Resources

Temporary Pause on Initial OADS Provider Applications (MaineCare Benefits Manual Sections 18, 20, 21, and 29)

Effective April 13, 2026, the Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) is temporarily pausing acceptance and review of initial applications from entities seeking to become OADS approved waiver providers under MaineCare Benefits Manual (MBM) Sections 18, 20, 21, and 29.

OADS is implementing this pause to help maintain timely and consistent review of applications, which OADS receives in high volumes, and to prioritize, with OADS’ limited staff resources, quality support and oversight of enrolled providers.

What does this mean:

  • Initial applications submitted to OADS on or after April 13, 2026, will not be accepted or processed during this pause. Providers seeking initial OADS approval should re-submit their applications after OADS resumes processing.
  • Applications submitted prior to April 13, 2026, will continue to move through the review process.
  • OADS will continue to support providers with OADS approvals already in effect, including with requests to add new services, provider updates or changes, and ongoing compliance activities.

OADS will post an update on this page when it resumes accepting and processing new applications. For questions, please contact waiverprovider.oads@maine.gov.

Attention Providers seeking to apply deliver MaineCare Section 18, 20, 21, 29 Waiver Services 

OADS has a NEW online portal for all application submissions which will allow the applicant to complete the application and upload all materials for review. Applicants will also be able to log in to the portal and check the status of the application throughout the review process. OADS will no longer accept applications submitted by email or mail (hand delivery and US mail submissions are also not acceptable).

Click here to set up access to the online application portal.

Waiver Services

About Applying

OADS accepts applications on an ongoing basis for entities wishing to provide services for the following waiver programs:

  • Section 18 (Word) (Home and Community-Based Services for Adults with Brain Injury)
  • Section 20 (Word) (Home and Community Based Services for Adults with Other Related Conditions)
  • Section 21 (Word) (Home and Community Benefits for Members with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder)
  • Section 29 (Word) (Support Services for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder)

How to Become a Waiver Service Provider

Use and follow these steps in sequence to apply to become a provider.

Define the services you wish to provide.

Please take time to understand the nature of the service you intend to offer.

  • Section 18 (Word) (Home and Community-Based Services for Adults with Brain Injury)
  • Section 20 (Word) (Home and Community Based Services for Adults with Other Related Conditions)
  • Section 21 (Word) (Home and Community Benefits for Members with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder)
  • Section 29 (Word) (Support Services for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder)

Understand if the service you want to offer requires Licensing or Staff Certifications or Qualifications.

The following services require licensing:

Resources for those providing professional services to persons with disabilities:

Understand the Rules and Regulations that govern the provision of services for waivers in Maine under MaineCare.

As a business owner, you are required to understand and abide by the following regulations.

Review the application checklist to ensure you have prepared all the required documents:

Complete the application and submit the required documents in the HCBS Application & Compliance Portal.

Next steps following application submission for New Providers:

  • The application will be reviewed for completeness, using qualification criteria.
  • During the review process, the applicant may be asked to provide additional documentation.
  • If all requirements are met during application review, then a formal interview is conducted with the applicant.
  • The applicant will receive an email with the results of the review.

Post-Application Process

If the application is approved by OADS, then the following are next steps:

  • Applicant applies to Licensing if required
  • Applicant enrolls with the Office of MaineCare Services (OMS)
  • OADS conducts an on-boarding meeting to review expectations, provide support and direction, etc.
  • Applicant will access the MaineCare Health PAS Portal to define service locations
  • New Provider can start receiving waiver members

Questions?

If you are a prospective Waiver Services provider and have questions, you may contact OADS at WaiverProvider.OADS@maine.gov.