An Act To Ensure Timely Reimbursement For Providers Of Child Care Services For Children In Foster Care

LD 1191 requires Maine's Department of Health and Human Services to pay child care providers within 15 days for services to children in foster care, provided the invoice is complete and meets state requirements. It mandates the department to create clear processing procedures, offer guidance to providers on invoice standards, and issue an annual report to the Governor and Legislature tracking reimbursement timeliness and delays. This directly affects child care providers serving foster families and the state agency responsible for payments. The bill establishes concrete deadlines and reporting to prevent payment delays, without changing eligibility or funding levels.