Medicaid waivers for autism in Maine
Mainers with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorder. Maine names autism directly in the program title rather than treating it as a subcategory.
- Main program
- Sections 21 and 29 — transitioning to the new Lifespan waiver
- Typical wait
- Section 29's waiting list has ended; both are closing to new enrollment
- Administered by
- Maine DHHS, Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS)
- Phone
- 1-800-262-2232 (MaineCare: 1-855-797-4357)
How to get on the list
Enrol in MaineCare at mymaineconnection.gov or on 1-855-797-4357, and establish medical eligibility. Call Maine DHHS on 1-800-262-2232 for your regional OADS contact. A case manager can help with both applications — ask for one early rather than doing it alone.
Open the official Maine page →Does autism qualify?
Maine is unusually explicit — the benefit is written for members with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorder, so autism is a named qualifying condition rather than something reached through general developmental disability language.
How the waiting list works
Maine is in the middle of a structural change, and reading last year's guidance will send you to the wrong program. The Section 29 waiting list has ended, and both Section 21 and Section 29 are closing to new enrollment as the state moves to a single Lifespan waiver. OADS expects that within five years there will be no significant waitlists for the waivers serving people with intellectual disabilities, autism or related conditions. So the right question to ask on the phone is not "where am I on the Section 21 list" but "how does Lifespan enrollment work and what do I do now". Whatever the program is called by the time you apply, MaineCare enrollment plus medical eligibility remains the precondition, so get that done regardless.
- Section 29 waiting listended
- Sections 21 and 29closing to new enrollment
- OADS expectationno significant waitlists within five years
What it can pay for
- Community support
- Employment supports
- Respite
- Home support and residential services (Section 21)
- Work support
- Assistive technology
Other programs worth knowing
Lifespan waiver
The replacement program consolidating Sections 21 and 29. Ask about this by name — it is what you will actually be enrolling in.
Section 29
The smaller of the two legacy waivers, for adults not needing 24-hour support: community and employment supports plus limited respite, with a lower services cap than Section 21.
Maineproviders & resources →
Local help you can access now, while you wait.
Waivers explained →
What to do while you're on the list, and what to ask.
Sources · last checked August 2026
- Maine DHHS — waiver services (Sections 21 and 29)
- Maine DHHS — adults with intellectual disability and autism
- Maine DHHS — notice of Section 21 waiver amendment
Waiting lists and eligibility rules change. Always confirm current details with the agency before making decisions. If something here is out of date, tell us.