Healthcare (Medicaid)

LD 563 is a legislative resolution directing Maine's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to apply for a federal waiver within 9 months. The waiver would allow Medicaid coverage for psychiatric inpatient facilities with more than 16 beds, which are currently excluded under federal rules (42 CFR §435.1009). This primarily affects larger psychiatric treatment facilities in Maine that serve Medicaid patients but cannot currently receive full Medicaid reimbursement. DHHS must report the waiver application and progress by January 1, 2027, to the Legislature's health committee.

This bill creates a tax credit for dental providers enrolled in MaineCare, covering up to $5,000 annually in licensing fees and malpractice insurance costs. It directly affects licensed dentists and dental practices that treat MaineCare recipients. Key provisions require the Department of Health and Human Services to amend reimbursement rules to pay 75% of national Medicaid rates for dental services and cover all dental case management codes. The bill also allocates funding for three new positions within MaineCare Services to manage dental program implementation.

This bill requires Maine's Department of Health and Human Services to apply for federal approval by December 31, 2025, to establish continuous health insurance coverage for children under 6 years old enrolled in Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Once approved, these children would maintain coverage until their 6th birthday, regardless of changes in their family's income. Coverage could end only if the child moves out of state, a parent requests termination, the child dies, or eligibility was mistakenly granted due to fraud or error.