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LD 167

An Act To Provide 2 Hearing Aids To Mainecare Members With Diagnosed Hearing Loss

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Annie Graham and 1 co-sponsor

LD 167 expands MaineCare to cover two hearing aids (bilateral) for diagnosed hearing loss, with DHHS implementing the change and FMAP funding beginning July 1, 2026.

Signed by Governor
#hearingaids #mainecare #medicaid
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Bill Summary · LD 167

Summary — LD 167: An Act To Provide 2 Hearing Aids To MaineCare Members With Diagnosed Hearing Loss

Purpose

LD 167 requires MaineCare (Medicaid) reimbursement for two hearing aids (one per hearing‑impaired ear) for enrolled individuals with diagnosed hearing loss. Under current law MaineCare reimburses for only one hearing‑impaired ear; this bill expands coverage to bilateral hearing aids.

Key provisions

  • Changes MaineCare coverage policy to authorize reimbursement for a hearing aid for each hearing‑impaired ear (i.e., bilateral provision) for eligible MaineCare members with diagnosed hearing loss.
  • Directs the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to implement the reimbursement change and provides related appropriations.
  • Includes federal matching (FMAP) fund allocations associated with the state appropriation.

Who is affected

  • Directly: MaineCare members diagnosed with hearing loss who require hearing aids.
  • Administratively: Maine DHHS (MaineCare program) will manage the reimbursement policy change and implement system/claims adjustments.
  • Fiscal impact is shared between the State General Fund and federal Medicaid matching funds.

Fiscal impact (as enacted)

Fiscal note for the engrossed/amended bill (LD 167, as amended and enacted):
- FY 2025–26: General Fund $0; Federal Expenditures Fund $0 (no state cost this year).
- FY 2026–27: General Fund $102,946; Federal Expenditures Fund (FMAP match) $218,379.
- FY 2027–28 and FY 2028–29 (projections): General Fund $108,565 each year; Federal Expenditures Fund $228,826 each year.

Notes: The appropriation is for DHHS to cover the additional reimbursements. The federal match supplies the larger portion of total program cost.

Timeline and procedural history

  • Introduced: January 14, 2025 (Sponsor: Rep. Graham of North Yarmouth).
  • Committee: Health and Human Services — recommended OTP‑AM (May 16, 2025); work session held April 24, 2025.
  • Passed (with Committee Amendment "A" H‑190 and Senate Amendment "A" S‑449 to that amendment) by both chambers in late May–June 2025.
  • Enacted: Passed to be enacted June 25, 2025.
  • Signed by Governor: July 1, 2025.
  • Implementation: The enacted amendments delay implementation such that FY 2026–27 is the first year with budgeted costs (i.e., program changes take effect July 1, 2026, per the fiscal note timing).

Administrative considerations

  • DHHS will need to update MaineCare billing and claims systems, provider guidance, and outreach to affected members/providers.
  • Federal matching funds (FMAP) will cover a significant share of the added cost; the fiscal note reflects the state share (General Fund) and the corresponding federal allocation.

This summary reflects the enacted, amended version of LD 167 and the fiscal estimates prepared for that version.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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