Appropriations committee approves lifespan‑waiver funding despite fraud concerns

The Maine Legislature’s Appropriations Committee voted 8–5 to move two supplemental budget lines that provide funding to increase lifespan waiver slots tied to a new home‑and‑community‑based services waiver.

Supporters said the funding is necessary to finish groundwork and begin enrolling people in the new waiver this fall. “I’m very excited to see these come forward,” Representative Drew Gattine said, describing earlier legislative investments to prepare the Department of Health and Human Services to submit a waiver proposal to the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Opponents said allegations of improper provider conduct and an ongoing federal recovery raise caution. Representative Jack Ducharme said his caucus is wary of expanding funding “before we put more money out there” because of reports that one provider was shut down and the federal government “has started the process to reclaim $28 million.” Representative Amy Arata said she could not support the lines “right now” because of those allegations. The transcript does not include additional details tying the alleged recovery to specific providers or outcomes.

Committee members who supported the lines argued that the funding would allow services to be funded when people enroll and is part of multi-year work to secure federal approvals. After debate the committee adopted the lines by roll call, 8–5.

Next steps: The funding moves as part of the governor’s supplemental package; details on provider investigations and the status of any federal recovery were discussed as claims in the committee and were not substantiated or resolved during the meeting.