ME LD721

Appropriates $1,000,000 in General Fund money for fiscal year 2025-26 and $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2026-27 to support full implementation of 5 certified community behavioral health clinics in Maine

Maine was accepted into the federal certified community behavioral health clinic Medicaid demonstration program in June 2024 to address lack of access to behavioral health services for mental health and substance use disorder treatment

Increases wages for new clinical positions requiring graduate-level education from 100% to 125% of the state median wage as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Increases wages for new administrative positions from 75% to 100% of the state median wage to support hiring staff critical to program success

Designated as emergency legislation, taking effect immediately upon approval rather than after the standard 90-day period