Section 45 Hospitals: Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs) Implementation Plan - CRs 134737 & 134738
As previously noticed, MaineCare is increasing certain hospital reimbursement rates to reflect a 1.0% COLA.
MaineCare will implement new rates for billing when funding for this COLA is available to the Department on September 24, 2025. New rates will be effective retroactively to July 1, 2025.
The following is being adjusted to reflect the COLA increase:
- Inpatient base rates
- GME add-on rates
- Inpatient MS-DRG-Based outlier payment threshold
- Distinct psychiatric and distinct substance use disorder unit per diem inpatient base rates
New rates will be available by September 24, 2025, to the rate setting page of the Health PAS Online Portal.
Billing Guidance
The Department will reprocess all claims affected. No provider action is needed.
For questions, please contact your Provider Relations Specialist.