Healthcare (Children's Health)

signed · Maine · House Apr 11, 2026

LD 2209: Resolve, To Direct The Department Of Health And Human Services To Develop Innovative Models For The Delivery Of Dental Services To Expand Access To Oral Health Care Throughout The State

Maine's Department of Health and Human Services is directed to develop a hub-and-spoke model for dental services to improve access across the state, particularly in areas with low population density. The department must also explore establishing residency programs for dental specialists such as pediatric dentists, oral surgeons, and orthodontists. To guide these efforts, the bill requires the department to consult with stakeholders including the University of New England College of Dental Medicine and various dental professional associations. By February 15, 2027, the department must submit a report containing its findings and suggested legislation to relevant legislative committees for further review.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill directs development of dental service models and residency programs to expand access to oral health care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health

failed · Maine · House Apr 15, 2025

LD 436: An Act To Prohibit State Agencies From Promoting The Covid-19 Vaccination To Children

LD 436 prohibits Maine state agencies, including the MaineCare program, from promoting the COVID-19 vaccine to anyone under 18 years old. The bill specifically bans using any means - such as websites, educational materials, or program communications - to encourage vaccination for children. It directly affects minors under 18 by preventing state agencies from actively promoting the vaccine through official channels. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment and applies to all state programs and communications.

Topics ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareProhibits state promotion of pediatric vaccines, restricting public health outreach and limiting access to vaccination programs for minors under 18.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health

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failed · Maine · Senate May 13, 2025

LD 376: An Act To Improve Maternal And Infant Health Outcomes Through Doula Care

LD 376 requires MaineCare to reimburse nonclinical doulas for services supporting pregnant people before, during, and after childbirth. It specifically covers up to four prenatal and four postnatal visits per person, beginning January 1, 2026. The bill directly affects MaineCare enrollees, particularly low-income pregnant individuals, and doulas providing these services. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services must create implementing rules to administer the reimbursement program.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates MaineCare reimbursement for doula services, expanding Medicaid coverage for maternal health access and improving outcomes for low-income pregnant individuals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health

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failed · Maine · House May 27, 2025

LD 1878: An Act To Establish A Managed Care Program For Mainecare Services

LD 1878 establishes a managed care program for MaineCare, requiring the state to contract with three health plans to deliver comprehensive services to specific MaineCare enrollees: TANF recipients, CHIP participants, Medicaid beneficiaries under age 65 with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level, and dual-eligible Medicare-Medicaid beneficiaries. The health plans must cover physical health, behavioral health, pharmacy, and dental services, and address social determinants of health like housing and food insecurity. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services will manage the program but cannot alter eligibility rules, such as income thresholds, while pursuing federal waivers as needed.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes comprehensive managed care for MaineCare, requiring physical/behavioral health, pharmacy, dental, and social determinants coverage for vulnerable populations, expanding access and services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health Medicaid Medicare

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signed · Maine · House Jul 1, 2025

LD 93: An Act To Reduce Cost And Increase Access To Disease Prevention By Expanding The Universal Childhood Immunization Program To Include Adults

LD 93 expands Maine's Universal Childhood Immunization Program to cover all adults residing in the state, not just children under 19. The bill amends existing law to define "individual" as any Maine resident and modifies program administration to include adults in the vaccine coverage. It maintains the same funding mechanism through the Childhood Immunization Fund, requiring assessed entities (like insurance providers) to pay quarterly assessments based on the number of covered residents. This change aims to reduce costs and increase access to recommended vaccines for all age groups by extending the existing childhood program framework.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands immunization coverage to all adults, increasing access to preventive healthcare services under existing funding mechanism.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health

signed · Maine · House Jul 1, 2025

LD 865: An Act To Require Mainecare To Reimburse For Lactation Services In The Homes Of Eligible Persons

This bill requires MaineCare (Maine's Medicaid program) to reimburse for breastfeeding support services provided in hospitals or at home. It directly affects parents of children eligible for MaineCare or the Children's Health Insurance Program, even if the parent themselves isn't covered by MaineCare. The law mandates reimbursement for services delivered by certified lactation consultants (specifically those certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners). The Department of Health and Human Services must apply for a federal state plan amendment by January 1, 2026, to implement this change.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates MaineCare reimbursement for lactation services, expanding Medicaid coverage for breastfeeding support and improving access to maternal health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health

died · Maine · Senate Apr 29, 2026

LD 896: An Act To Provide Young Children Stable Access To Health Care

This bill requires Maine's Department of Health and Human Services to apply for federal approval by December 31, 2025, to establish continuous health insurance coverage for children under 6 years old enrolled in Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Once approved, these children would maintain coverage until their 6th birthday, regardless of changes in their family's income. Coverage could end only if the child moves out of state, a parent requests termination, the child dies, or eligibility was mistakenly granted due to fraud or error.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEnsures continuous Medicaid/CHIP coverage for children under 6 until age 6, preventing coverage loss due to income changes, thus strengthening access to healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health Medicaid

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