Resolve, Regarding the Use of MaineCare for Catastrophic Illness

Sec. 1. MaineCare waiver. Resolved: That, by October 1, 2009, the Department of Health and Human Services, through its office of MaineCare services, shall apply to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for a waiver under the MaineCare program to provide coverage for persons with physical disabilities who develop a catastrophic illness. The waiver must provide full MaineCare coverage for the duration of the catastrophic illness. Coverage under the waiver must be provided beginning April 1, 2010. The department shall report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over health and human services matters by January 1, 2010 on the progress of the waiver application.

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This resolve requires the Department of Health and Human Services, through its office of MaineCare services, to apply for a Medicaid waiver to provide beginning April 1, 2010 MaineCare coverage for persons with physical disabilities who develop a catastrophic illness and requires a report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over health and human services matters by January 1, 2010 on the progress of the waiver application.