May 26, 2021 MaineCare Updates
Maine Department of Health & Human Services sent this bulletin at 05/26/2021 12:59 PM EDT
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Reminder: American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) 10% Enhanced Federal Match on MaineCare HCBS Services: Your Input is Needed by May 28!
Next Zoom Listening Session Scheduled for May 28
Written Feedback Welcome at HCBS-FMAP.DHHS@maine.gov
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is seeking stakeholder input regarding the American Rescue Plan Act’s (ARPA) temporary home- and community-based services (HCBS) federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) increase.
ARPA included a one-year, 10% enhanced FMAP on HCBS, defined in the Act to include HCBS waiver programs, state Medicaid plan services such as home health and personal care services, and certain mental health and substance use services. The corresponding state savings must be used to enhance, expand, or strengthen HCBS and must be used by March 30, 2024.
You can find more information on this special, one-time federal funding here.
Maine DHHS must submit its plan for using the special funding to the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in June. DHHS would like your input as we develop the plan. DHHS is evaluating ideas with the following principles in mind.
- Initiatives enhance, expand or strengthen HCBS;
- Initiatives can be completed by 3/30/24, with shorter-term completion preferable;
- Initiatives not completed by 3/30/24 are sustainable after the special FMAP funds end;
- Initiatives align with the Department’s HCBS reform plans; and
- All areas that are eligible to receive the additional FMAP will benefit from the use of the funds.
Option 1: Participate in a Live Zoom Listening Session
Friday, May 28th from 12:00 -1:30 PM (Zoom link below)
Option 2: Submit Written Comments
Send your ideas to HCBS-FMAP.DHHS@maine.gov. We will review all comments received by May 28.
Questions? Send them to HCBS-FMAP.DHHS@maine.gov.
Zoom Link for May 28th Session on Enhanced Federal Match on MaineCare HCBS Services
Time: May 28, 2021 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://mainestate.zoom.us/j/82512252252?pwd=eks0OUFyMU9EZTlxOWUyNk5ySndvQT09
Meeting ID: 825 1225 2252
Passcode: WMNR5t?i
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Reminder: Upcoming Trainings Regarding Individualized Education Program (IEP) Documentation Requirements – June 2nd and June 16th
MaineCare, in partnership with the Department of Education, has posted updated guidance regarding the required documentation for MaineCare reimbursable services on the Individualized Education Program (IEP).
The MDOE and MaineCare will be offering two training opportunities regarding the documentation of Medicaid services as directed by this joint guidance. Training will be provided for school personnel and any other interested stakeholders to increase awareness and make sure that schools have the information they need to increase compliance.
The first session will be held on June 2, 2021 from 1:00-2:00 pm and the second session on June 16, 2021 from 9:00 -10:00 am. There is no need to pre-register, and you can join the session(s) by clicking on the hyperlinks at the time of the training. Both sessions will be posted online after the event for those unable to attend.
The Maine Department of Education’s Office of Special Services and MaineCare staff are also available to provide technical assistance and training to school districts so that they can maximize MaineCare funding to support services to eligible students. For additional information, please contact DOE’s Office of Special Services at 624-6713.
You may also visit MaineCare’s School-Based Services webpage for more information. Please contact Trista Collins with any questions.