MaineCare Access Issues FAQs

What is happening?

MaineCare is denying or reversing payment for prenatal labs and ultrasounds ordered by licensed Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) serving MaineCare clients planning home or birth center births.

Who is affected?

The issue affects:

• MaineCare clients

• Licensed CPMs

• Families planning community births

• Rural communities with limited maternity care access

Are CPMs licensed in Maine?

Yes. Maine licensed CPMs are state-recognized healthcare providers authorized to provide prenatal care and order laboratory tests and ultrasounds within their legal scope of practice.

Why are clients losing access?

MaineCare’s implementation of the NOPR system appears to exclude CPMs from referral recognition pathways currently available to other provider types.

What are the consequences?

Consequences include:

• Delays in prenatal diagnostics

• Reduced access to ultrasounds and labs

• Financial liability for midwives

• Additional burdens on low-income families

Is this about home birth safety?

No. This campaign is about equal access to covered prenatal care services for MaineCare clients regardless of birth setting.

What are advocates requesting?

Advocates are requesting:

• Restoration of referral recognition for licensed CPMs

• Relief from retroactive billing liability

• Equal prenatal care access for MaineCare clients