Jan 1, 2026

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services’ Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) recently unveiled the new Respiratory Virus Dashboard. The dashboard shows trends for COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) together in one place, helping to support public awareness and enhance public health during the respiratory illness season.

• Read more about One Dashboard, Three Viruses: Maine CDC’s New Tool for Tracking Respiratory Illnesses

• Read more about 10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 302; Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (SEBT) Program Rules

10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 302; Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (SEBT) Program Rules

(SUN Bucks)

SEBT – SUN Bucks Rule #1A

• Read more about Final Rate Determination Schedule for Calendar Year 2026 (CY26) and Comment Summary

The Final MaineCare Rate Determination Schedule for CY26 is available on the Rate System Reform webpage.

• Read more about Reminder – Primary Care Plus (PCPlus) Open Office Hour for PCPlus Practices

The Delivery System Reform Unit (DSRU) will hold a PCPlus Open Office Hour on Tuesday January 27, 2026, from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.

The purpose of the Open Office Hour is to provide an accessible online venue for PCPlus providers to ask MaineCare questions regarding the program.

• Read more about Maine CDC Children & Youth with Special Health Care Needs Webinar

The transition from high school into the world of adulthood is a milestone for all young people. For young people with disabilities, this milestone also means a significant shift in how education and support services are provided. A transition plan should include the three domains of Education, Employment, and Independent Living.

• Read more about Final Day of Open Enrollment on CoverME.gov for 2026 Coverage

AUGUSTA-- Today is the final day of Open Enrollment for 2026 health insurance coverage through Maine's official Health Insurance Marketplace, CoverME.gov. Maine residents who need coverage are encouraged to enroll by 11:59pm to avoid a gap in coverage. Health coverage obtained today through CoverME.gov would begin on February 1, 2026.

Jan 1, 2026

How Maine DHHS Oversees Public Funds and Responds to Allegations of Fraud

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) provides essential health and social services to Maine residents while safeguarding the public resources entrusted to our care. Every dollar we manage represents a commitment to ensure funds are used lawfully, effectively, and in direct support of the programs and people they are intended to serve.

• Read more about Stewardship and Integrity in Public Programs

Jan 1, 2026

As the state agency responsible for responding to emergent public health threats, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services’ Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) has been working in partnership with federal and local partners to address the recent, rising spread of HIV and hepatitis C infections.

• Read more about The Maine CDC Works with U.S. and Local Partners to Respond to Penobscot County HIV Outbreak

• Read more about Section 65 Cost-of-Living Adjustments: Rates Corrected & Implemented

Last week, MaineCare identified an error in the rate calculations for Section 65 that we implemented with an effective date of January 1, 2026.

• Read more about Section 67, Nursing Facility (NF) - Quality Bonus Pool (QBP) Payments

On December 22, 2025, we emailed QBP letters to administrators and senior level leadership for NFs that met the 2025 participation criteria to earn a QBP award. Each letter included the anticipated dollar amount for each NF, as described in MaineCare Benefits Manual (MBM), Chapter III, Section 67 (22.6.3). The payment date and confirmation of final amount is contingent on approval from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. We will send an update upon federal approval and will release payments approximately two weeks after federal approval.