Self-Directed Services for Maine

The Maine Developmental Disabilities Council has in the last year been working on bringing a self-directed services option to Maine. We contracted with Applied Self Direction to provide technical assistance – they have experience helping multiple states to implement self-directed services. We have worked with a coalition of advocates, service providers, and state agency representatives to create a plan forward towards a system that allows people with developmental disabilities more say and flexibility in their services.

The federal government's Medicaid website describes self-directed services like this: "Self-directed Medicaid services means that participants, or their representatives if applicable, have decision-making authority over certain services and take direct responsibility to manage their services with the assistance of a system of available supports. The self-directed service delivery model is an alternative to traditionally delivered and managed services, such as an agency delivery model. Self-direction of services allows participants to have the responsibility for managing all aspects of service delivery in a person-centered planning process."

In late August 2020, MDDC sent the recommendations gathered from our meetings to Maine’s Office of Aging and Disability Services. You can read that document here: Self-Directed_Option_Recommendations_2020_08_20.pdf

Self Direction Option Frequently Asked Questions