Maine

The national percentage of Medicaid spending on home and community-based services (HCBS) has more than doubled from 1992 to 2004. This report presents a summary of the main trends to emerge for the three Medicaid HCBS programs and the results of a survey of policies such as eligibility criteria and waiting lists.

In July 2007, NASHP convened grantees from 10 states and CMS to share their experiences in promoting positive outcomes under Money Follows the Person. To aid in this discussion, the Muskie School of Public Service was invited to facilitate the conversation and to provide a framework for discussing the role of quality management under the MFP initiatives. For the past three years, the Muskie School served as technical resource to states in the implementation of CMS quality improvement grants.

This report provides information about family caregivers of older Americans and the state-level programs serving them. The profiles provide information on state demographics and programs related to caregiving. They offer a snapshot of each state's caregiver support programs, services offered, funding sources, eligibility criteria, and options for consumer direction. Also, information about locating grandparent support programs is included along with highlights of recent state legislation.

In 2006, Maine’s Medicaid Infrastructure Grant was awarded funds to provide outreach about Medicare’s new prescription drug coverage to MaineCare Workers with Disabilities Option dual eligible members. Methods for raising awareness and education about the transition to Medicare Part D were implemented. To identify the usefulness of outreach efforts and to learn about experiences with transitioning prescription drug coverage, a telephone survey was conducted. A report highlights the findings.

The CHOICES CEO (Comprehensive Employment Opportunities) online newsletter, Working Together, focuses on Maine’s efforts to increase work opportunities for people with disabilities. Additionally, a brochure on MaineCare, a health insurance program for people with disabilities in Maine, includes information on benefits, qualifications, and local resources for the MaineCare option.

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Labor worked with a coalition from public and private sectors to recommend steps to support people with disabilities who work, or who wish to work. The full and abridged reports identify information on resources, opportunities, and short- and long-term activities to increase the number of workers with disabilities. Additionally, key findings for the MaineCare Workers with Disabilities Option are available in the Reader’s Guide.

The purpose of this survey analysis is to provide states with an overview of the implementation of these DRA changes across the country, specifically in terms of Long-Term Care services and the steps the states have taken. Findings address eligibility, Children with Disabilities, Money Follows the Person, HCBS State Plan Amendments, Transition from Institutions, Managed Care, SPA for Personal Care Services, Cash & Counseling, Care Coordination, Disease Management and Long-Term Care Reform.

A national campaign to expand quality health coverage for direct-care workers who are a lifeline for millions of Americans, this website provides information about the effort to improve coverage. Visitors can also find information on policy solutions, state campaigns, resources, a newsroom and how to get involved and take action.

Grantees are required to establish measurable performance goals for their programs as well as indicators that enable them to track progress. Relating to consumer and client satisfaction with services, it is important that established goals assess visibility, trust, ease of access and responsiveness of program functions and staff. This summary contains findings of ADRCs assessments of consumer satisfaction relating to performance indicators and reported in the semi-annual report.

The Medicaid Infrastructure Grant Research Assistance to States (MIG-RATS) Center launched a website to provide resources and support to states implementing MIGs. The website is designed to help staff find research reports and resources, learn about MIG-RATS activities and initiatives, and connect with MIG researchers. The website includes info on topics such as Medicaid Buy-In programs, outreach and marketing, and youth in transition and also provides links to tools and a calendar of events.