This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to adopt rules to implement a MaineCare home and community-based lifespan program. Initially, the program will enroll individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or autism and, during a 2nd phase, individuals with other related conditions will be added. Compared to the existing rule Chapter 101: MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter II, Sections 21 and
29 waiver programs, the lifespan program will enable supports to change over time within one program as an individual's needs change or the needs of persons who provide support to that individual change. Also, eligibility for the lifespan program will begin at a younger age, enabling a smoother transition from children’s services to adult services. Once the lifespan program becomes operational, new enrollment under Sections 21 and 29 will be closed, but existing participants of those programs will have the option of continuing in their current waiver programs or transitioning to the lifespan program during the 2nd phase.