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LD 977

Resolve, Requiring The Maine Health Data Organization To Develop A Plan For Measuring Gaps In Home And Community-Based Services

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Sally Cluchey

Maine MHDO must develop and report a plan to measure HCBS gaps, producing data by Jan 15, 2026 to guide MaineCare/waiver planning.

Signed by Governor
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Bill Summary · LD 977

Summary — LD 977 (Resolve: Require MHDO to develop plan to measure gaps in Home & Community‑Based Services)

Status: Signed by the Governor (July 1, 2025)
Introduced: March 7, 2025
Sponsor: Rep. Cluchey of Bowdoinham
Subject areas: MaineCare, Medicaid, waiver programs, Home & Community‑Based Services (HCBS)

Purpose / Intent

LD 977 directs the Maine Health Data Organization (MHDO) to develop a plan for measuring gaps in home and community‑based services (HCBS). The goal is to produce usable data and reporting that identify where HCBS capacity, access or quality shortfalls exist so state agencies, providers and policymakers can better target program improvements and MaineCare/waiver planning.

Key provisions

  • Directs MHDO to develop a plan for measuring gaps in HCBS across Maine.
  • Requires MHDO to produce data reporting consistent with the plan and submit related materials by January 15, 2026.
  • Authorizes MHDO to contract with a consultant to assist with plan development and data reporting.
  • Requires the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to provide necessary data to MHDO to support the plan.
  • Funding and FMAP: includes state and federal funding to support data provision and consultant contracting (one‑time allocations; see Fiscal Impact).

Note: LD 977 is a Resolve — it requires state action/agency work rather than creating changes to statutes or entitling benefits.

Fiscal impact

One‑time costs in FY 2025‑26 only:
- General Fund appropriation to DHHS: $18,620 (plus related Federal Expenditures Fund allocation for FMAP match).
- Other Special Revenue Funds to MHDO: $45,000 (one‑time) to contract a consultant.
- No ongoing costs projected for FY 2026‑27 and beyond.

Total one‑time state appropriation (direct): $63,620 (split as shown above, with part matched by federal funds).

Who is affected

  • MHDO (responsible for plan development and reporting).
  • DHHS (required to provide data).
  • MaineCare recipients and potential HCBS clients — indirect beneficiaries through improved measurement and planning.
  • HCBS providers and waiver program administrators — may be affected by subsequent policy or operational changes informed by the plan.
  • Policymakers — will receive improved data to guide decisions on HCBS capacity and funding.

Timeline and procedural notes

  • MHDO must complete the plan and associated data reporting by January 15, 2026.
  • Legislative history highlights: reported out of committee with Committee Amendment “A” (H‑175) adopted, finally passed by the Legislature (May 2025), placed temporarily on Special Appropriations Table, and signed by the Governor on July 1, 2025.

Likely impacts / significance

  • Provides a focused, time‑limited investment to generate actionable data about HCBS gaps in Maine.
  • Supports evidence‑based planning for MaineCare and HCBS waiver programs; may inform future budget or statutory proposals.
  • Minimal fiscal footprint (one‑time costs) but potential for meaningful downstream policy effects depending on findings and follow‑up actions.

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

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