How to Become a Medicaid Waiver Provider in Maine

Before you plan anything else, check whether Maine is open. As of April 13, 2026 OADS temporarily paused both acceptance and review of initial applications from entities seeking to become approved waiver providers under MaineCare Benefits Manual Sections 18, 20, 21, and 29 — citing the volume of applications against its staff capacity and a decision to prioritize oversight of providers already enrolled. Applications submitted before that date continue to be processed, and existing approved providers can still request service additions and updates, but there is currently no route in for a new entity. OADS says it will announce when it resumes accepting applications. Use the pause: the application asks you to define your services against specific MaineCare Benefits Manual sections and to demonstrate you understand the rules that govern them, and the work of reading Chapters 1, 2, and 3 for your sections is the same whether you do it now or when the door reopens.

When applications reopen: define your services by manual section, check licensing, work the application checklist, submit through the HCBS Application and Compliance Portal, interview, then enroll with MaineCare and onboard.

Application system: HCBS Application & Compliance Portal

1. Confirm whether OADS is accepting applications

   The pause announced April 13, 2026 covers Sections 18, 20, 21, and 29. OADS will announce when it resumes — check the provider application page before doing anything else.

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2. Define your services and verify licensing

   Identify the MaineCare Benefits Manual sections your services fall under, then check whether those services also require licensure through DHHS Licensing and Certification.

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3. Work through the new provider application checklist

   OADS publishes an application checklist for new providers, along with portal training materials and a provider onboarding overview.

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4. Submit through the HCBS Application and Compliance Portal and track it

   Applications are filed and monitored in the portal. A complete application leads to an interview, and approval notification arrives by email.

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5. Onboard: licensing, MaineCare enrollment, service locations

   After approval you apply for licensing where applicable, enroll with the Office of MaineCare Services, attend an OADS onboarding meeting covering expectations and support, and use the MaineCare Health PAS Portal to define your service locations before you begin receiving waiver members.

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Maine does not publish these in a form we could verify, so we have not guessed at them. Ask directly — and if an answer here would help other providers, tell us and we will add it with its source.

• When will OADS resume accepting initial applications from new waiver provider entities?

  Ask: OADS, WaiverProvider.OADS@maine.gov

• Is there any exception to the pause — for a service type or region with unmet need?

  Ask: OADS, WaiverProvider.OADS@maine.gov

• What does the new provider application checklist require in full, and how long does review plus the interview take once submitted?

  Ask: OADS, WaiverProvider.OADS@maine.gov

• What background checks and staff training does OADS require for Section 21 and Section 29 direct support staff?

  Ask: OADS, WaiverProvider.OADS@maine.gov