State Medicaid Waiver Directory
Find your state's Katie Beckett waiver, TEFRA pathway, HCBS programs, and Medicaid eligibility rules for children and adults with disabilities. Each guide covers waitlists, application steps, income limits, and parent caregiver pay options.
For informational purposes only — not legal, medical, or financial advice. Medicaid rules, eligibility, and waitlists change frequently. Always verify with your state's official Medicaid agency before making decisions. Cross-check with Medicaid.gov's official waiver page.
Maine
Program Overview
Overview
Maine has a clearly structured HCBS waiver system. The most relevant for children are the Section 29 Brain Injury Waiver and the Section 21 Community Support Waiver for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Katie Beckett or similar pathway
Maine has a TEFRA State Plan Option (SPA) that allows children with disabilities who need institutional-level care to qualify for Medicaid based on the child's own income, not the family's. Contact Maine DHHS and ask specifically about the TEFRA or Katie Beckett pathway for children.
Child-relevant waivers
Section 21 Community Support Waiver and Section 29 Brain Injury Waiver are the most relevant. Maine also has an Elderly and Adults with Disabilities (EAD) Waiver.
Eligibility
Who qualifies
Section 21 serves individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorder who require ICF/ID level of care.
Financial and income rules
The Katie Beckett Option counts only the child's income. Families earning more than 150% of the federal poverty level pay a parental premium.
Level of care
ICF/ID level of care is required for Section 21.
Age rules
Section 21 serves individuals of varying ages including children.
Getting Started
How to apply
Contact Maine DHHS Office of Aging and Disability Services for waiver intake.
Documents needed
Disability documentation, level-of-care assessments, and financial information are typically required.
Waitlist information
Maine's Section 21 Waiver has historically had a significant waiting list.
Practical next step
Contact Maine DHHS and ask about Section 21 Waiver intake and current waitlist registration. For non-Medicaid supports, contact Maine BRS or Maine Developmental Disabilities Council.
Services & Support
Services available
Section 21 can cover residential services, day supports, employment supports, and community integration.
Parent caregiver pay
Maine has a new Family Home Health Aide program (implementing as of early 2026) that allows parents to be paid for home health care for minor children, and parents who are nurses can be paid to provide private duty nursing under certain circumstances.
Equipment exchange & assistive technology
Maine CITE / AT4Maine (maine.gov/rehab) — free device demonstrations, short-term equipment loans, reuse programs, and AT funding information statewide.
Mental health and Medicaid coverage
Maine Medicaid covers mental health services including outpatient therapy, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, crisis services, and community-based care. The Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) within DHHS oversees public mental health services. Community mental health centers and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) are primary access points. Children can access mental health services through the EPSDT benefit. Maine has expanded peer support services and school-based mental health programs.
Additional notes
The Section 21 Waiver waitlist can be lengthy. Applying as early as possible and asking about the current expected wait time is important.
State-Specific Resources
Maine Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) — Vocational Rehabilitation
Maine BRS (myworksourcemaine.gov) helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep employment. Services include vocational evaluation, job training, assistive technology, job placement and coaching, and supported employment. Services are free and available statewide. BRS also serves transition-age youth (ages 14+).
Maine CITE — Assistive Technology Loan and Demonstration
Maine CITE (maine.gov/rehab) provides free assistive technology services including device demonstrations, short-term equipment loans for trial, equipment reuse programs, information on AT funding, and training. Available statewide to all Mainers with disabilities.
Maine Early Intervention Services (Birth to Age 3)
Maine's Early Intervention program serves families with children birth to age 3 with developmental delays or disabilities. Services are provided in homes and communities and are family-focused. Referrals can be made by anyone. Contact the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.
Maine Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) — Resources & Advocacy
MDDC (maineddc.org) is a partnership of people with disabilities, their families, and agencies that promotes advocacy, independence, and full participation of people with developmental disabilities. Provides resources, training, and advocacy support statewide.
Disability Rights Maine (DRM) — Legal Advocacy & P&A
DRM (drme.org) is the state's Protection and Advocacy agency, providing free legal services, advocacy, and information on disability rights, education rights, employment issues, assistive technology access, and abuse/neglect.
Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) — Effective May 1, 2026
Maine's PFML program, effective May 1, 2026, provides up to 12 weeks of combined paid leave in a 12-month period for an employee's own serious medical condition, bonding with a new child, or caring for a seriously ill family member. Workers receive partial wage replacement.
Sources
Recent news for Maine
New England Times · October 17, 2026 · Research
New research from the University of New England explores how to better include the voices of people with intellectual disabilities in rural health care services.
Maine Beacon · October 2, 2026 · Medicaid & Waivers, Funding & Budget
During a political debate, Paul LePage expressed opposition to expanding Medicaid coverage in Maine.
Community Tips & Experience
Comments reflect the personal experiences and opinions of individual community members only. They do not represent the views, positions, or endorsements of National Disability Resource Project or any of its staff, volunteers, or affiliated members. Always verify information with official agencies and qualified professionals before making decisions.
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