<![CDATA[MAINE COALITION FOR HOUSING & QUALITY SERVICES - Postings]]>Wed, 10 Jun 2026 04:33:01 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[MaineCare Notice of Agency Waiver Amendments -Section 21 & 29]]>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 14:50:07 GMThttps://www.maineparentcoalition.org/postings/mainecare-notice-of-agency-waiver-amendments-section-21-29SECTION 21:
Notice of Agency Waiver Amendment, MaineCare Benefits Manual, Section 21, Home and Community Benefits for Members with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder
Feb 27, 2026
The Division of Policy posts all proposed and recently adopted rules on MaineCare’s Policy and Rules webpage. This website keeps the rules on file until they are finalized and until the Secretary of State website is updated to reflect the changes. The MaineCare Benefits Manual is available on-line at the Secretary of State’s website.
Below, please find a MaineCare Notice of Agency Waiver Amendment. You can access the complete rule at http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oms/rules/index.shtml.
____________________________________________________________________________
Notice of Agency Waiver Amendment
AGENCY:  Department of Health and Human Services, MaineCare Services
RULE TITLE OR SUBJECT: Chapter 101, MaineCare Benefits Manual, Section 21, Home and Community Benefits for Members with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder
WAIVER: ME.0159, Home and Community Services for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder
CONCISE SUMMARY: The proposed changes include the following:
Waiver Appendix C
  • The Department is updating service specification requirements for Direct Care Worker staff to reflect changes in the certification curriculum and ongoing training requirements.
  • The amendment also updates the annual limits (caps) on combined services in Appendix C-4.
Waiver Appendix F-3
  • The Department is updating its grievance procedures for members served under any of the 1915(c) waivers to comply with new Federal requirements Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services (CMS-2442-F)  (Access Final Rule, CMS 2442-F).  The Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) is promulgating rules related to the new grievance process.
Waiver Appendix J
  • Updates Cost Neutrality and Derivation of Estimates for Waiver Years 1 through 5.
Finally, as part of this waiver submission, the Department has made technical revisions, formatting updates, and other non-substantive changes to the application. Please see the accompanying draft application for a complete list of all proposed changes included in the waiver amendment. 
DHHS is accepting comments through 11:59 pm, March 29, 2026. Any interested party may obtain a copy of the waiver amendment by going to the website noted below or at any regional Office for Family Independence (a list of the offices and locations can be found at this link http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/offices/index.html).
A printed copy may be obtained by calling Lisa Weaver at (207) 624-4050 or emailing lisa.weaver@maine.gov.
See http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oms/rules/index.shtml for waiver amendment and to submit comments.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY:              42 CFR §441.304
DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS:        Comments must be received by 11:59 pm, March 29, 2026.
AGENCY CONTACT PERSON:         Heather Bingelis, Comprehensive Health Planner II
AGENCY NAME:                                MaineCare Services
ADDRESS:                                           109 Capitol Street, 11 State House Station
                                                              Augusta, Maine 04333-0011
                                                              Heather.bingelis@maine.gov
 
TELEPHONE:                                    207-624-4951 FAX: (207) 287-1864 TTY: 711

SECTION 29:
MaineCare Notice of Agency Waiver Amendment, MaineCare Benefits Manual, Section 29, Support Services for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder
Feb 27, 2026
The Division of Policy posts all proposed and recently adopted rules on MaineCare’s Policy and Rules webpage. This website keeps the rules on file until they are finalized and until the Secretary of State website is updated to reflect the changes. The MaineCare Benefits Manual is available on-line at the Secretary of State’s website.
Below, please find a MaineCare Notice of Agency Waiver Amendment. You can access the complete rule at http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oms/rules/index.shtml.
____________________________________________________________________________
Notice of Agency Waiver Amendment
AGENCY:  Department of Health and Human Services, MaineCare Services
RULE TITLE OR SUBJECT: Chapter 101, MaineCare Benefits Manual, Section 29, Support Services for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder
WAIVER: ME.0467, Support Services for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder
CONCISE SUMMARY: The proposed changes include the following:
Waiver Appendix C
  • The Department is updating service specification requirements for Direct Care Worker staff to reflect changes in the certification curriculum and ongoing training requirements.
  • The amendment also updates the annual limits (caps) on combined services in Appendix C-4.
Waiver Appendix F-3
  • The Department is updating its grievance procedures for members served under any of the 1915(c) waivers to comply with new Federal requirements Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services (CMS-2442-F)  (Access Final Rule, CMS 2442-F).  The Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) is promulgating rules related to the new grievance process.
Waiver Appendix J
  • Updates Cost Neutrality and Derivation of Estimates for Waiver Years 1 through 5.
Finally, as part of this waiver submission, the Department has made technical revisions, formatting updates, and other non-substantive changes to the application. Please see the accompanying draft application for a complete list of all proposed changes included in the waiver amendment. 
DHHS is accepting comments through 11:59 pm, March 29, 2026. Any interested party may obtain a copy of the waiver amendment by going to the website noted below or at any regional Office for Family Independence (a list of the offices and locations can be found at this link http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/offices/index.html).
A printed copy may be obtained by calling Lisa Weaver at (207) 624-4050 or emailing lisa.weaver@maine.gov.
See http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oms/rules/index.shtml for waiver amendment and to submit comments.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY:              42 CFR §441.304
DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS:        Comments must be received by 11:59 pm, March 29, 2026.
AGENCY CONTACT PERSON:         Heather Bingelis, Comprehensive Health Planner II
AGENCY NAME:                                MaineCare Services
ADDRESS:                                           109 Capitol Street, 11 State House Station
                                                              Augusta, Maine 04333-0011
                                                               Heather.bingelis@maine.gov

]]><![CDATA[DHHS-OADS: Follow Up to OADS Lifespan Waiver => FAQ Notice]]>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 18:18:07 GMThttps://www.maineparentcoalition.org/postings/dhhs-oads-follow-up-to-oads-lifespan-waiver-gt-faq-noticeOADS Lifespan Waiver FAQs
Thank you to all who attended the OADS “Lifespan Overview” Zoom webinar on 1/21/26 and/or the “SIS-A and Levels” webinar on 1/23/2026.
The videos and presentations can be found on the HCBS Lifespan Project web page.
We are pleased to announce that the Lifespan FAQ document we have been working to finalize is complete and ready for your review.  You will also find it on the HCBS Lifespan Project web page (see link above) in the Lifespan Resources section of the page.

Please consider registering today for one of our upcoming SIS-A information sessions outlining the need for the SIS-A and how scheduling and the assessment will work.  These are targeted for different audiences including Case Managers, Providers, members, families, and/or guardians.  The first info session is tomorrow (2/25). See below for info on the sessions and to register:

All sessions will be recorded and the slide deck and video will be available on the SIS-A Implementation Project web page following the last presentation.

We appreciate your involvement with Lifespan.  The input we receive from you will help to improve the program.
]]><![CDATA[DHHS-OADS: SIS-A Assessments are Scheduling Now - Register today for upcoming sessions to learn more!]]>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 13:43:33 GMThttps://www.maineparentcoalition.org/postings/dhhs-oads-sis-a-assessments-are-scheduling-now-register-today-for-upcoming-sessions-to-learn-moreRamping Up SIS-A AssessmentsThe Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has been working on the Lifespan waiver for several years. People with disabilities, families, advocates, and providers have helped shape this work.
The Department plans to post the draft waiver for public comment soon.
When the new waiver launches, new services and new rates will also begin. These rates will include tiered levels based on support needs identified from the SIS-A. Because of this, everyone enrolled in Section 21, Section 29, or the new Lifespan waiver will need to complete a SIS-A assessment.
Since many people will need an assessment, the Department will begin increasing the number of assessments completed each month starting in February and March 2026.
To learn how this increase will work, how scheduling will happen, and what to expect during the assessment, please register to join one of the following webinars.
If you are unable to attend these sessions, recordings will be posted afterward on the Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) web page: SIS-A Implementation Project | Department of Health and Human Services
If you need an accommodation or support to take part in one or more of these meetings, please contact April.Keyes@maine.gov. We look forward to hearing from you all and working together to improve services and service delivery.
~ The OADS Team

]]><![CDATA[DHHS-OADS: NOTICE: SIS-A Assessments Ramp Up in March 2026]]>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 15:04:38 GMThttps://www.maineparentcoalition.org/postings/dhhs-oads-notice-sis-a-assessments-ramp-up-in-march-2026SIS-A Assessments Ramp Up in March 2026For MaineCare Section 21 and Section 29 Members
How Scheduling Works:
  • At first, OADS will focus on participants in provider agency homes.
  • Beginning this month (February), a Maximus scheduler will call your provider agency to set up a Supports Intensity Scale - Adult (SIS-A) Assessment. 
  • If needed, Maximus may also contact the member and/or guardian to confirm a date and time.
What is the SIS-A?
The SIS-A is not a test. It is a guided conversation about the supports you need to be safe, healthy, and successful in daily life.
  • Most interviews take about 2-3 hours (breaks are OK).
  • You can have people who know you well join you (guardian/family, case manager, staff). They need to have known you for more than three months.
Why are we doing this?
The Department is using the SIS-A for all individuals on Sections 21 and 29, as well as Lifespan. The SIS-A provides additional information to support the person-centered planning process. Also, Maine is using the SIS-A so providers can be paid based on the level of assessed support needs across several services for the people they support. For those with higher needs, the provider can receive a higher reimbursement. Taking an assessment now can prevent later backlogs of assessments. It is important that you schedule an assessment with Maximus.
How to get ready (simple tips)
  • Think about how your family and provider(s) support you each day; both regular days and on a hard day, especially if hard days are frequent.
  • Bring people who know you best and can help you describe the services and supports and what you need to live your best life.
  • Tell the scheduler what you need to be comfortable (breaks, communication supports, etc.).
Questions or need to schedule?
Maximus Maine SIS Help Desk: 833-771-4639 | Maine-SIS@maximus.com
Look for an invitation soon to join SIS-A information sessions via Zoom in late February, beginning of March.

]]><![CDATA[Follow Up to OADS Lifespan Waiver Presentations]]>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 16:25:02 GMThttps://www.maineparentcoalition.org/postings/follow-up-to-oads-lifespan-waiver-presentationsHome and Community Based Supports (HCBS) Sections 18, 20, 21, 29, and New Lifespan Waiver: Comment Summary with Department Response and Final Draft Rate Models

The final draft rate models for Sections 18, 20, 21, 29, the new Lifespan Waiver, and a summary of all comments resulting from the public forum from April 14, 2025, is available on the MaineCare Rate System Reform webpage, along with all related notices and presented materials to date. The comment summary includes the Department’s written responses, with an explanation of whether and how feedback was incorporated into the final draft rates. We thank all those who contributed.
Background
  • In September of 2023, the Department initiated a rate determination for sections 18, 20, 21, 29, and the New Lifespan Waiver
  • The Department kicked this work off publicly on September 15, 2023, in conjunction with vendor Burns & Associates, a division of Health Management Associates (HMA-Burns),
  • Next, in collaboration with a Provider Advisory Group, HMA-Burns developed a provider survey that was distributed in December of 2023. The survey collected data on current service delivery models and expenses, which was a key element in the development of recommendations related to payment rates for services included in this rate determination.
  • Then, in April of 2025, the Department and vendor held a public forum to present the recommended draft rates and methodology for the new Lifespan Waiver to interested parties and allowed for public and written comments.
  • Finally, based on written comments, on September 11, 2025, the Department and vendor presented revisions to the previously proposed rates and models.
For questions on this process, please contact Jessica Levesque, MaineCare’s Rate Reform Lead. 
This notice is sent pursuant to *Rate Reform law.
For questions and comments on the rate determination process, or suggestions for the next Annual Rate Determination Schedule, please submit to RateReform.OMS@Maine.gov. Learn more about this process on the Rate System Reform webpage.
​​
]]><![CDATA[Forwarded Action Alert: Maine Disability Alerts -ask Sen Collins office to protect special education]]>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 19:51:15 GMThttps://www.maineparentcoalition.org/postings/forwarded-action-alert-maine-disability-alerts-ask-sen-collins-office-to-protect-special-educationMaine Disability Alerts 

Dear Friends of People with Disabilities,
 
There are ongoing attempts at the federal level to eliminate the US Department of Education, to get rid of federal enforcement of the rights of students with disabilities, and to eliminate special education support.
 
To some extent, both the US Senate and the US House have pushed back. The US Senate is being more protective of special education than the US House, but both could do better.
 
The US Senate and US House have to work out a compromise by the end of this month before the next federal shut-down deadline.
 
With this in mind, please contact the office of Sen Susan Collins, who is the chair of the US Senate Appropriations committee, with the following message:
 
  • Thank you for your support this year of special education
  • When you negotiate a spending bill with the House this month, please HOLD THE LINE on special ed
  • Please insist that THE LAW EXPLICITLY REQUIRE SPECIAL ED TO REMAIN INTACT AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL
  • Please ADD LANGUAGE TO PROTECT PART D OF IDEA
  • Please ADD LANGUAGE TO PROTECT ENFORCEMENT WITHIN THE US DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OF THE RIGHTS OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (IDEA AND SECTION 504)
thank you
 
Contact info:
thank you!
--

]]><![CDATA[Forwarded Action Alert: MPF - Urgent Call to Action Ask Senator Collins to Include IDEA Part D in the Labor H Appropriations Bill]]>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 19:50:24 GMThttps://www.maineparentcoalition.org/postings/forwarded-action-alert-mpf-urgent-call-to-action-ask-senator-collins-to-include-idea-part-d-in-the-labor-h-appropriations-billWe have learned yesterday afternoon that the bill Senator Collins sponsored to continue funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) not include Part D of IDEA.
 
Why This Matters
Part D of IDEA includes personnel development, technical assistant, parent training and information centers (like Maine Parent Federation), information dissemination, and technology. Without this funding these services may not exist for the state of Maine.
 
 
What Does This Mean for MPF
If not included in this bill our parent center funding would most likely cease to exist and jeopardize our ability to remain fully operational and committed to the families and communities, we serve.
 
In partnership with disability organizations across Maine and within our National Coalitions MPF is committed to asking Senator Collins to please add Part D of IDEA to the language in the bill.
 
 
What Can You Do
Our turnaround time for this request is very tight as it appears the bill may be in the House of Representatives tomorrow, Sunday January 18th.
 
If you are able and willing today, Saturday January 18th, please consider sending the following email to Senator Collins' Education and Appropriation staffer Mark LeDuc.
 
 
Email Template
 
Dear Mr. LeDuc,
 
My name is "enter name" and I am a "write how you would like to be identified i.e. parent of a child with a disability etc...".
 
I am contacting you today to request that Senator Collins add IDEA Part D to Section 314 of the Labor H Education bill to continue funding for Parent Centers, University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), technical assistance to the OSEP grantees in our state, and professional development for our special educators. All of these services are crucial for students with disabilities in Maine to access their education and increase positive outcomes.
 
Thank you for your time and consideration.
 
"Your name and contact information"
 
Senator Collins Staffer
Senator Susan Collins - Chair of the Appropriations Committee
Education & Appropriations Staffer - Mark LeDuc - Mark_LeDuc@appro.senate.gov
Website
 
Maine Parent Federation understands we have asked a lot of our constituents over the last year. Unfortunately, right now the attack on services for children with disabilities continues and we truly appreciate your advocacy and voice to assist us during what remains an extremely challenging time. I remain available to all of you to assist with your questions and concerns.
 
Thoughtfully with you,
 
Carrie Woodcock, Executive Director
 and The Staff of Maine Parent Federation]]><![CDATA[DHHS-OADS: OADS Lifespan Waiver Presentations in January - Register to Join!]]>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 15:36:25 GMThttps://www.maineparentcoalition.org/postings/dhhs-oads-oads-lifespan-waiver-presentations-in-january-register-to-joinLifespan Waiver Information Presentations
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has been developing the Lifespan waiver for several years, with significant involvement from the disability community, including people with disabilities, their families, advocates and providers.  As the process moves forward, the Department anticipates posting the Department-approved waiver draft for public comment in the near future.  In advance of that opportunity for public comment, the Department is offering two presentations to help inform the community and provide updates on the Lifespan waiver.
The Lifespan waiver is designed to better meet the long-term needs in the service system that people with disabilities, their families, advocates and providers have identified.  The goals of the new waiver include assisting individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and/or Autism and their families in ways that:
  • Offer more flexibility to address goals and needs that naturally change across the lifespan.
  • Improve transition and in-home support services to support a successful transition from childhood to adulthood.
  • Use new ideas that work to support access to innovative services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

Please join us for the following webinar presentations:
 
If you cannot attend these sessions, recordings will be posted afterward on the Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) web page: HCBS Lifespan Project | Department of Health and Human Services. 
If you need an accommodation or support to take part in one or more of these meetings, please contact April.Keyes@maine.gov. We look forward to hearing from you all and working together to improve services.
~ The OADS Team
]]><![CDATA[Maine Parent Federation & Maternal and Child Health Annual Conference Save the Date]]>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 15:35:55 GMThttps://www.maineparentcoalition.org/postings/maine-parent-federation-maternal-and-child-health-annual-conference-save-the-dateMaine Parent Federation & Maternal and Child Health Annual Conference Save the Date
March 17th, 2026 Registration Email Coming Soon!!!
]]><![CDATA[DHHS-OADS: Disability Services Reportable Events Trainings for Sections 21 and 29]]>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 19:17:21 GMThttps://www.maineparentcoalition.org/postings/dhhs-oads-disability-services-reportable-events-trainings-for-sections-21-and-29Disability Services Reportable Events Trainings Sections 21 and 29The Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) Reportable Events trainings for 2026 are now open for registration. After the event, attendees who are present for the required minimum amount of time will receive a certificate of attendance.
​
Note: Each attendee must register and use their unique link to join the sessions to receive a certificate of attendance. Using another attendee’s unique login link will result in your attendance not being recorded.  

2026 Intro to Reportable Events Training Dates: 
This introduction to reportable events training is for Providers and Case Managers of individuals receiving Section 21 and 29 services. Goals of the session include understanding your reporting requirements, best practices for writing a narrative, and answering questions.
The OADS Quality Assurance team is hosting this Zoom training twice per quarter.
  • Thursday, January 22nd: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
  • Tuesday, February 10th: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
  • Wednesday, April 15th: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
  • Thursday, May 14th: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
  • Friday, July 10th: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
  • Monday, August 10th: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
  • Tuesday, October 20th: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
  • Thursday, November 5th: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Please register at this link:  https://mainestate.zoom.us/meeting/register/YNu-ISRpTCOIep-MKrJPAg
 
2026 Reportable Events Provider Follow-Up Training Dates:
This training is for Providers responsible for completing Reportable Events Follow-Up reports and will introduce Root Cause Analysis and Quality Improvement. The OADS Quality Assurance team is hosting this Zoom training once per quarter.
  • Wednesday, March 11th: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
  • Monday, June 15th: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
  • Tuesday, September 15th: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
  • Friday, December 11th: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Please register at this link:  https://mainestate.zoom.us/meeting/register/JNYVjP3jSuGgQdSw3d1KOw
 
For all sessions:
If you require accommodation, such as real-time transcription and captioning (CART), American Sign Language (ASL), or other language interpretation, please contact April Keyes by email april.keyes@maine.gov at least two weeks before the session you plan to attend. 

Please contact quality.oads@maine.gov with any questions about Reportable Events training.

PDF versions of the PowerPoint presentations  will be available on the OADS website at: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oads/providers/adults-with-intellectual-disability-and-autism/reportable-events

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