Department of Health and Human Services plans local forum

     AUGUSTA, Maine – The Maine Department of Health and Human Services is holding a series of forums designed to improve MaineCare services for people with disabilities.

     Locally, a forum will be held Wednesday, Aug. 12, at Caribou’s DHHS office, located at 30 Skyway Drive.

     Olmstead is a 1999 Supreme Court decision that requires states to provide individuals with disabilities options to receive services in the most community-like setting possible. Maine is updating its Olmstead roadmap, which identifies core values, related to being connected to local communities, that drive Maine’s long term services and supports system.

     “DHHS encourages families and providers to participate in these forums in order to improve services for disabled Mainers,” said Ricker Hamilton, deputy commissioner of programs for Maine DHHS.

      The department is seeking feedback from MaineCare recipients, family members, providers and other interested parties about what is needed in local communities to support people remaining in their homes and meaningfully connected with their communities in lieu of institutional care.