ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES PROVIDER IN MAINE

Fatumata Kaba
Aug 12
4 min read

ENHANCING INDEPENDENCE AND FUNCTIONAL ABILITY THROUGH CUSTOMIZED DEVICES AND SUPPORTIVE TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

Assistive Technology (AT) Services in Maine empower individuals with disabilities to communicate, move, access information, and perform daily tasks more independently. These services include assessments, customization, training, and the provision of devices that address functional limitations. AT is covered through MaineCare (Medicaid) State Plan benefits, Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, and through partnerships with programs like AT4Maine and the Maine CITE Coordinating Center.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) — Office of MaineCare Services (OMS)

Role: Administers Medicaid funding and billing for AT under State Plan and waiver programs

Agency: Maine DHHS — Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS)

Role: Coordinates AT support under Sections 19, 20, 21, and 29 waivers

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Ensures AT services under waivers and Medicaid comply with HCBS regulations and person-centered planning standards

Agency: Maine CITE Coordinating Center

Role: State’s assistive technology program offering loans, demos, and AT training (not a funding source but a support agency)

2. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICE OVERVIEW

Assistive Technology includes equipment and services that help individuals perform tasks that would otherwise be difficult or impossible due to disability or health condition.

Covered services may include:

AT assessments and evaluations
Customization and fitting of devices
Purchase, rental, or loan of AT items
Installation and environmental setup
Training for participants, caregivers, and providers
Repair and maintenance (when approved)
Coordination with therapists, case managers, and medical professionals

Examples of AT devices:

Communication devices (AAC)
Mobility aids (powered chairs, lifts)
Environmental controls (smart home systems, switches)
Adaptive utensils or tools
Vision/hearing assistance technology
Computer access or ergonomic supports

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Maine Secretary of State
Obtain IRS EIN and Type 2 NPI (if billing MaineCare)
Enroll with MaineCare under the appropriate provider category (e.g., Durable Medical Equipment (DME) supplier, OT/PT with AT specialization, AT service provider)
Hire or contract with qualified professionals (e.g., Assistive Technology Professionals [ATP], OTs, SLPs)
Maintain liability insurance and HIPAA compliance
Develop an Assistive Technology Policy & Procedure Manual
Ensure compliance with state AT guidelines and billing requirements

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Determine Provider Type

DME suppliers may provide AT under MaineCare equipment codes
Clinicians (OTs, SLPs) may bill for assessments
Independent AT consultants may enroll under specialized service designations

Step 2: Apply via the MaineCare Provider Enrollment Portal

Website: https://mainecare.maine.gov
Select appropriate enrollment type and include documentation of licensure or AT certification

Step 3: Staff Credentialing and Policy Setup

Ensure professionals hold ATP certification (via RESNA) or licensure in clinical disciplines
Finalize policies for intake, assessments, device tracking, and client education

Step 4: Begin Receiving Referrals

Coordinate with waiver case managers, therapists, or Maine CITE for participants in need of services

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or sole proprietor registration
IRS EIN and NPI documentation
Proof of insurance
MaineCare enrollment confirmation
AT Service Policy & Procedure Manual, including:
- Referral and intake forms
- Assessment and recommendation templates
- Delivery and training confirmation logs
- Repair/service request forms
- Participant rights, consent, and warranty information
- Medicaid billing codes and documentation logs
- HIPAA and assistive device confidentiality protections

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Assistive Technology Professional (ATP)

Requirements: RESNA certification or relevant clinical licensure (OT, SLP, PT); background check; training in adaptive technologies

Role: Installer / Technician

Requirements: Technical expertise in AT device setup, repair, and maintenance; training in safety and environmental modifications

Role: Program Supervisor / Case Coordinator

Requirements: Knowledge of AT services, billing, and interdisciplinary coordination

Training Requirements for All Staff:

HIPAA and data privacy
AT device operation, safety, and maintenance
Documentation and progress tracking
Cultural competence and communication with diverse populations

7. MAINECARE WAIVER & AT FUNDING STREAMS

Assistive Technology is reimbursed or supported under:

Section 19 — Elderly and Adults with Disabilities Waiver
Section 21 & Section 29 — Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Waivers
Section 20 — Children with Complex Medical Needs Waiver
Section 96 — Private Duty Nursing and Personal Care (when AT supports clinical care)
State Plan DME coverage — for qualifying durable equipment with physician order
AT4Maine and Maine CITE — for device loans, demos, and funding guidance (non-Medicaid)