Maine’s Supplemental Budget Update: HHS Committee Pushes for 1.95% COLA for Providers

• By: Angela Westhoff
• On: 01/30/2025 14:30:38
• In: Legislative/Government Affairs

The Maine Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee has issued its recommendations on the supplemental budget, with HHS largely approving the governor's proposals while making a few key modifications.

The most relevant recommended change was the request for DHHS to continue its commitment to implementing a 1.95% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for long term care and other providers as soon as practical. This adjustment, aimed at addressing rising costs, remains a top priority for many within Maine's health and social services sectors.

The committee's advocacy for timely provider rate adjustments underscores the ongoing need to support essential services in the face of financial pressures. While details on implementation remain pending, this marks a positive step in ensuring providers receive necessary funding adjustments. The full letter from the HHS Committee can be viewed here.

Meanwhile, the Legislature is also beginning its work on the biennial budget, which will shape funding for the next two years. Hearings on the sections relevant to long term care are scheduled for February 12 and 14, offering an opportunity for MHCA and providers to weigh in on critical funding decisions.

We'll continue tracking this issue and providing updates as the budget process moves forward. 

bhawkins@mehca.org