• Read more about MaineCare Notice of Agency Emergency Rulemaking Adoption: MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter II, Section 65 and Repeal: Chapter III, Section 65

• Read more about MaineCare Notice of Agency Emergency Rule-making Adoption, MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter II, Section 97, Private Non-Medical Institution Services

Notice of Agency Emergency Rule-making Adoption

Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Office of MaineCare Services, Division of Policy

Chapter Number and Rule Title: 10-144 C.M.R. Chapter 101, MaineCare Benefits Manual (“MBM”), Chapter II, Section 97, Private Non-Medical Institution Services

Adoption Filing Number:

Concise Summary:

• 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 Section 50, Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF-IID) Rate Letters for Calendar Year (CY) 2026

The CY 2026, ICF-IID rate letters are now available on the Health PAS Online Portal. You can view them by logging into your Trading Partner Account and following this pathway: File Exchange > Reports > Rate Setting Letters.  

If you have questions about accessing the letters, please contact Provider Services at: 1-866-690-5585. 

For questions about the content of the letters, please contact Rate Setting directly by using the contact listed on the letters.

• Read more about Section 43, Hospice Services: Rate Determination Kickoff & Draft Rates Public Review and Comment

On February 12, 2026, the Department will hold an online public meeting regarding Section 43, Hospice Services rate determination for interested parties via Zoom. At this meeting, we will provide an overview of the project goals, scope of work, and present draft rates along with rationale, for public comment. Following the presentation, draft rates will be available online, and the Department will accept written comments.

We will then respond to the comments in writing and include an explanation of whether and how the feedback was incorporated into the final rate determination.

• Read more about Important Reminder About Accessing Maine DHHS Services

Important reminder: Office for Family Independence (OFI) and MaineCare staff do not make unannounced home visits or offer in-home help with benefits, including MaineCare, SNAP, and TANF. 

MaineCare, SNAP, and TANF eligibility assistance is available: 

• By phone: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM (1-855-797-4357) 
• Online: MyMaineConnection.gov 
• In-person: At your local DHHS office, Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM 

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.