MaineMaine seeks approval for higher MaineCare rates and funds aging services
Maine's health department must seek federal approval for certain MaineCare rate increases, while $3 million is directed to services for older adults.
What it does
The health department must seek federal approval for a 3.07% increase in certain MaineCare payment rates. The increases depend on federal approval.
Area agencies on aging must receive $3 million for community services that address older adults' needs, guided by local priorities and regional needs.
The listed tax provision sets a $15,000 amount for single filers and married people who file separate returns.
Argument forOlder adults could get services better matched to local needs because area agencies must use priorities set by local advisory councils.
Argument againstProviders and people who rely on care may not see higher MaineCare payments if federal officials do not approve the requested rate increase.
More detail
The health department must ask federal officials to approve a 3.07% increase in certain MaineCare payment rates. The request covers the MaineCare rates listed in the text, including rates for certain direct care services. The increases depend on approval from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The requested increase would start July 1, 2026, for Section 97 Appendices B and D rates, and January 1, 2027, for the other listed rates.
The health department must distribute $3 million to area agencies on aging for services and programs for older adults. The money is for community-based services in the state's coordinated community program areas, such as in-home help, meals, and caregiver respite. Agencies must use local advisory council priorities and the state's funding formula to meet regional needs.
The text sets the income amount in the listed tax provision at $15,000 for single people and married people filing separate returns. This amount applies to single individuals and married people who file separate tax returns.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Apr 16Signed by Governor Janet MillsLatest
- Apr 14Reported Out - OTP-AM/ONTP
- Apr 14PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.Passed 2nd Chamber
- Apr 14Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
- Apr 14PASSED TO BE ENACTED.Became Law
- Apr 14Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED by Committee Amendment "A" (H-1068) in concurrence.Minor
- Apr 14Committee Amendment "A" (H-1068) READ and ADOPTED.Minor
- Apr 14READ ONCE.Minor
- Apr 14On motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report ACCEPTED.
- Apr 14Reports READ.
- Apr 14Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
- Apr 14The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-1068).Minor
- Apr 14Under suspension of the rules, the Bill was given its SECOND READING without REFERENCE to the Committee on Bills in the Second Reading.
- Apr 14Committee Amendment "A" (H-1068) was READ and ADOPTED.Minor
- Apr 14The Bill was READ ONCE.Minor
- Apr 14On motion of Representative GATTINE of Westbrook, the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report was ACCEPTED.
- Apr 14Reports READ.
- Apr 11Voted - Divided Report
- Apr 11Work Session Held
- 2025
- Jun 25Carry Over Approved
- Jun 25Carried over, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800.
- Mar 21Carried over, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.
- Feb 20The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on APPROPRIATIONS AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed pursuant to Joint Rule 401.Minor
- Feb 20Received by the Clerk of the House on February 20, 2025.Introduced
HealthcareTaxes & Budget