AUGUSTA — House and Senate lawmakers gave unanimous approval Tuesday to a measure that extends the transition period for mentally ill patients losing access to a MaineCare program.
Lawmakers negotiated the bipartisan compromise after hundreds of people warned that the changes to MaineCare’s Section 17 community-based services program could lead to more hospitalizations, suicides or incarcerations of mentally ill individuals. The resolve aims to soften the transition for patients no longer eligible for those services under new Section 17 rules.
New rules that took effect last Friday restricted “community support services” to clients with schizophrenia disorders or who meet several other criteria. Section 17 clients work with case managers who supply assistance with their daily needs, often at home. But clients, their families and caregivers worried the changes could cut off some who critically need those services.
The bill, L.D. 1698, directs the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to extend from 90 days to 120 days the transition period for clients now participating in MaineCare’s Section 17 program. DHHS also will be required to offer 90-day extensions through June 30, 2017, to clients who can demonstrate that they would be unable to access other programs within MaineCare. Section 17 clients now receiving rental assistance also will be grandfathered under the new rules.
“The House today stood up for Mainers who told us loud and clear how devastating these cuts would be if allowed to take place without an adequate transition plan,” Rep. Drew Gattine, a Westbook Democrat who co-chairs the Health and Human Services Committee, said in a statement. “We have a path forward that will help smooth the changes, ensure they get the care they need and protect their ability to live in their homes.”
DHHS officials were actively involved in committee discussions as lawmakers sought a compromise. A DHHS spokeswoman said last week that while the department stands by its original rules, the revised bill “will not hurt the integrity of the program.”
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