An Act To Continue MaineCare Coverage for Parents during the Rehabilitation and Reunification Process

Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §3174-ZZ  is enacted to read:

§ 3174-ZZ.  Coverage for parents participating in rehabilitation and reunification efforts

Notwithstanding section 3174, a parent receiving benefits under this chapter as a parent of one or more dependent minor children who have been removed from the home of that parent pursuant to section 4036-B continues to be eligible for benefits under this chapter until either the department discontinues rehabilitation and reunification efforts pursuant to section 4041 or parental rights have been terminated pursuant to section 4055, whichever occurs first.

SUMMARY

This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to continue to provide MaineCare coverage to a parent who is a MaineCare member and who is participating in rehabilitation and reunification efforts in accordance with a rehabilitation and reunification plan. The bill requires the department to continue coverage until the discontinuance of reunification efforts or parental rights are terminated, whichever is earlier.