• Read more about Attention Providers of Section 18, 20, 21, 29, Home & Community Based Supports for Individuals with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities and Proposed Lifespan Waiver: Amendment to Initiation and Section 21 & 29 Kickoff Meeting Presented Materials

As previously shared in our September 8, 2023, bulletin, the Department has initiated a rate determination process for Sections 21 and 29, and a newly proposed Lifespan waiver service. Please note: although not previously stated, this initiation also includes services in Sections 18 & 20 that align with the services in Sections 21 and 29 being studied under this rate determination.

• Read more about Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) Phase 2 Trainings

The EVV requirements for Home Health providers delivering services under Section 40 were implemented on January 1, 2023.

We continue to offer weekly provider and aggregator trainings. All trainings are online via Microsoft Teams.

NOTE:  The Absorb training system has been updated to allow providers to register for trainings more than once.

EVV Training Schedule

• Read more about New Place of Service (POS) Code 27: Outreach Site/Street

On June 29, 2023, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the new POS code 27, that will be effective October 1, 2023.

• Read more about Outpatient Hospital Claims Overpaid Under Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC), CR 119887 

During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), MaineCare overpaid some outpatient hospital services under APC methodology. MaineCare was responsible for reimbursing COVID-19 vaccine administration codes at 100% of APC during the PHE. MaineCare overpaid claims submitted with a combination of COVID-19 vaccine administration codes and other non-vaccine administration codes. The non-vaccine administration codes paid 100% of APC in error.  

• Read more about Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Products Webinar

The Maine Immunization Program (MIP) is pleased to host an educational lunch and learn on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 @ 12 PM. The webinar will include presentations on the following new RSV vaccine products:  

• Read more about Over the Counter (OTC) Naloxone Standing Order for MaineCare Members

On September 8, 2023, in partnership with the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, MaineCare authorized a standing order for licensed pharmacists to create a single use prescription for OTC naloxone two dose nasal spray kit. This standing order can be accessed on the MaineCare website under the General Pharmacy Information section.    

• Read more about Subsurface Wastewater Disposal Rule, 10-144 CMR Ch. 241

The Maine CDC is adopting amendments to its Subsurface Wastewater Disposal Rule, which describes requirements for the subsurface wastewater permitting processes conducted by municipalities and overseen by Maine CDC. More specifically, this rule governs the siting, design, construction and inspection of subsurface wastewater disposal systems, to protect the health, safety and welfare of the residents and visitors of Maine.

• Read more about Eastern Equine Encephalitis Identified in Maine Mosquitoes

AUGUSTA – The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) announced today that mosquitoes from the York County town of Lebanon tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEE).

These are the first mosquitoes in Maine to test positive for EEE since 2019, when a horse also tested positive. The last human case of EEE in Maine was in 2015. No known human cases of any locally acquired mosquito-borne illnesses have occurred in Maine this year.

Sep 9, 2023

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recently concluded a series of listening sessions about the municipal General Assistance (GA) Program. Developed as a safety net program of last resort over 40 years ago, it is administered by municipalities and Tribes and overseen by DHHS, which reimburses 70 percent of eligible costs. Assistance is provided to eligible individuals by voucher for basic needs such as food, housing, and medication.

• Read more about Maine DHHS Works with Partners to Gather Input on the General Assistance Program

• Read more about Billing Guidance and Claims Reimbursement for Distinct Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorder Units

On October 1, 2023, the Office of MaineCare (OMS) systems will update and prepare to reimburse claims under the new methodology for distinct psychiatric and substance use disorder units as described in the proposed MBM, Chapter II, Section 45, Hospitals Services rule.