State guide
Maine
Programs, dollars, and people that serve autism families in Maine. Federal protections always apply on top of what you see here.
Maine overview
Maine's Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) administers Medicaid home and community-based waiver services through Section 21 (community support) and Section 29 (older adults). Apply through OADS — Maine's waitlists are among the longer ones in New England. For early intervention (under 3), contact Child Development Services. The Maine Parent Federation (MPF) is the state's PTI center. Maine's rural geography means provider access outside Portland and Bangor can be limited — telehealth has expanded some options.
Verify program names, URLs, and eligibility on official .gov sites — these change.
⏰ Act now — Medicaid waiver waitlist
Maine Medicaid HCBS Waiver — Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (OADS)
Typical wait: varies — waitlists exist; apply the day of diagnosis
Apply through Maine DHHS Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) the day of diagnosis — OADS manages waiver intake and ID/DD services statewide.
Apply or learn more →Statewide resources
These four programs exist in every state and are the fastest entry points for most families.
Parent Training & Information (PTI)
Maine Parent Federation(800) 870-7746
Federally funded — free help with IEPs, evaluations, and special ed rights.
Early Intervention (Birth to 3)
Maine Early Intervention (DHHS)(207) 624-7900
Part C IDEA services for children under 3. Apply immediately after diagnosis.
Medicaid / HCBS Waiver
Maine Medicaid HCBS Waiver (OADS)State waiver program for home and community-based services. Apply the day of diagnosis.
State Autism Organization
Autism Society of MaineState-level autism advocacy, family support, and community connection.
Insurance Coverage
Whether private insurance must cover ABA therapy in Maine.
No state ABA insurance mandate
No state private insurance mandate. Maine Medicaid (MaineCare) covers ABA for children under 21. Families should document all denials and contact Disability Rights Maine for help appealing.
Medicaid Waiver
Home and community-based services (HCBS) for autism families in Maine.
Section 21 Home and Community Benefits Waiver
Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS)
Typical wait time
3-6 years
Coverage highlights
- ✓Respite
- ✓Supported Living
- ✗Therapy
- ✓Employment Supports
Maine's Section 21 waiver (HCBS) covers adults with intellectual disabilities and autism. Maine also has a Section 29 waiver for children and adults with lower support needs. Families should apply to OADS for both waivers and explore Maine's Office of Child and Family Services for children's services while waiting.
How to apply
Medicaid Managed Care
How Medicaid pays for ABA therapy in Maine.
MaineCare
Covers ABA through under 21How to find your plan
Call 1-800-977-6740 or visit maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/programs-services/mainecare. Maine uses fee-for-service so there is no separate managed care plan.
Major plans in this state
- MaineCare (Fee-for-Service)
MaineCare operates on a fee-for-service basis. ABA therapy is covered for children under 21 through EPSDT. Contact MaineCare directly to find enrolled ABA providers and understand prior authorization requirements. Provider availability can be limited in rural Maine.
⚠️ Prior authorization is required before starting ABA services.