CMS is approving this time-limited state plan amendment (SPA) to respond to the COVID-19 national emergency. The purpose of this amendment to add a provider type – State-Operated Mobile Crisis Team – and to add new rate methodologies for behavioral health providers serving the developmentally disabled population under the 1915state plan home and community-based services benefit during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) period.

This amendment proposes changes to incorporate language based on provisions for Medicaid non-emergency medical transpo1iation (NEMT) services added to Section 1902(a)(87), Title XIX of the Social Security Act, as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. 

This amendment proposes to increase payment rates for home health and private duty nursing services; allow nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and physician assistants to order home health services and complete required face-to-face visits; and allow required face-to-face visits to occur through telehealth when clinically appropriate. 

This amendment proposes changes to Maine’s Accountable Community Program, including updates to performance years, lead entity requirements, TCOC (Total Cost of Care) core service inclusions as well as member assignments clarifications.