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SECTION 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
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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected] 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
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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected] OADS 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. Ramping 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 need an accommodation or support to take part in one or more of these meetings, please contact [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you all and working together to improve services and service delivery. ~ The OADS Team SIS-A Assessments Ramp Up in March 2026For MaineCare Section 21 and Section 29 Members
How Scheduling Works:
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.
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)
Maximus Maine SIS Help Desk: 833-771-4639 | [email protected] Look for an invitation soon to join SIS-A information sessions via Zoom in late February, beginning of March. Home 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
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 [email protected]. Learn more about this process on the Rate System Reform webpage. Forwarded Action Alert: Maine Disability Alerts -ask Sen Collins office to protect special education1/19/2026 Maine 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:
Contact info:
-- We 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 - [email protected] 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 Lifespan 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:
If you need an accommodation or support to take part in one or more of these meetings, please contact [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you all and working together to improve services. ~ The OADS Team Maine Parent Federation & Maternal and Child Health Annual Conference Save the Date March 17th, 2026 Registration Email Coming Soon!!! Disability 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.
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.
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 [email protected] at least two weeks before the session you plan to attend. Please contact [email protected] 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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