Bill > LD865

This bill requires MaineCare (Maine's Medicaid program) to reimburse for lactation services provided in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, offices, community locations, and patients' homes, for children eligible under MaineCare or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The bill defines lactation services as educational or consultation services related to breastfeeding and specifies that these services can be provided by licensed healthcare professionals or by consultants certified by a national organization specializing in lactation consulting. To implement this, the Department of Health and Human Services must apply for a state plan amendment with the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to allow Medicaid reimbursement for these services, specifically for lactation consultants certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. The department is also required to adopt rules for implementing the reimbursement. The bill includes appropriations for this initiative, with funding allocated from the General Fund, Federal Expenditures Fund, and Federal Block Grant Fund, totaling $303,639 in the 2026-27 fiscal year, covering both service reimbursement and technology costs for implementing the new coverage.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=865&snum=132