MaineCare Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) for Sections 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 26, 28, 29, 65, 92, 96, and 97C

• By: Ben Hawkins
• On: 06/05/2025 21:55:37
• In: Legislative/Government Affairs

MaineCare is increasing reimbursement rates through a COLA for certain services that were originally scheduled for January 1, 2025. This COLA is provided in accordance with PL 2025 Ch. 2. The intent of this COLA is to increase reimbursement for direct care workers and help ensure the continuation of essential MaineCare services. The COLA will be effective July 1, 2025, and is equal to an increase of 1.95% above the currently established rates. 

Note: these COLA adjustments only apply to rates specified under these Sections of Policy for eligible services: when a Section of Policy cross-references rates in a separate Section of Policy, the reimbursement provisions in the cross-referenced section of policy dictate the reimbursement amount (e.g. services that are referenced in these policies that refer to reimbursement rates under Section 90 will not receive this COLA).

Section 97, Appendix C (RCF) – “Part AAAA” Add-on
MaineCare is also increasing the Part AAAA add-on rate for RCFs, reflecting the same 1.95% adjustment, effective July 1, 2025. This COLA is specific to support wage increases for essential workers, to reflect increases to Maine's minimum wage, and was also originally scheduled for January 1, 2025. This update only impacts the total AAAA add-on for select providers and does not affect Direct, Personal, or Routine Care rates. Adjusted RCF rates will be implemented, and rate letters posted, at the secure Health PAS Online Portal, by July 1, 2025. For questions on rates please contact the individual listed on the rate letters.  

For questions on the implementation of these rates, please contact your Provider Relations Specialist.

Read the rest of the DHHS message at https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MEHHS/bulletins/3e3c6b9

Staff contact: bhawkins@mehca.org