Resolve, Directing The Department Of Health And Human Services To Apply For A Waiver From The Federal Government For The Medicaid Limitation On Payment To A Facility With More Than 16 Inpatient Beds For Psychiatric Treatment

This bill directs Maine's Department of Health and Human Services to apply for a federal waiver that would allow Medicaid to pay for services at psychiatric facilities with more than 16 inpatient beds. Currently, federal rules prohibit Medicaid payments to such larger institutions, but this legislation seeks to override that restriction to expand access to care. The department must submit the waiver request within nine months of the bill's effective date and report its progress to the legislature by January 1, 2025. The measure also appropriates specific funds to cover the costs associated with this initiative and any necessary technology updates.