Follow Up to OADS Lifespan Waiver Presentations

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

• 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 [email protected]. Learn more about this process on the Rate System Reform webpage.
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