MaineCare Behavioral Health Services Policy Writer

.

Comprehensive Health Planner II

Opening Date: October 20, 2026

Closing Date: November 2, 2026 

Job Class Code: 5050

Grade: 26 (Pro. & Tech. Svcs.)        

Salary: $58,801.60 - $82,555.20 per year

Position Number: 02031-2283

Location: Augusta

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

The Office of MaineCare Services (OMS) is hiring for a Behavioral Health Services Policy Writer. This Policy Writer will primarily focus on sections of the MaineCare Benefits Manual related to outpatient, home and community-based, residential, and inpatient behavioral health services, case management services, and health home services.

Policy Writers aim to meet the needs of MaineCare members, health care providers, and DHHS by drafting, proposing, and implementing policies that define the health care services MaineCare covers, the requirements providers must follow to deliver the services, and how MaineCare reimburses for those services. Policy Writers play a pivotal role throughout the life cycle of making policy changes by identifying necessary changes, facilitating change implementation, and participating in or leading service model design, rate studies, and stakeholder engagement. Policy Writers work independently and collaboratively with diverse internal and external partners, research federal and state laws and regulations, and become experts in Medicaid policy, best practices, and program monitoring and implementation. Policy Writers use effective communication, including strong analytical, writing, and presentation skills in all aspects of MaineCare policy work. 

The Policy Writer will:

•        Develop expertise in their assigned MaineCare covered services, including qualified providers, best practices, how payments are made, reimbursement methodology, and compliance with applicable state and federal laws.

•        Initiate formal MaineCare policy rulemaking through the MAPA process by, including but not limited to:

•        Draft new rules and/or changes to existing rules, working with various internal and external partners.

•        Facilitate public hearings and respond to public comments on proposed rules.

•        Work collaboratively with internal teams and other state offices and with a wide variety of third parties including members, providers, and advocates.

•        Think critically and strategically to address complex health policy issues and manage multiple priorities at once.

•        Research healthcare best practice, state statute, and federal regulations effectively to inform policy development.

A Bachelor’s Degree in Public/Community Health, Health Administration, Health Sciences or Health Education; Public Administration, Government, Social Work, or a closely related field and three (3) years professional experience in the  planning, development, coordination and/or evaluation of health programs or services -OR- an equivalent seven (7) year combination of education, training, and experience.

Preference will be given to candidates with professional experience researching, interpreting, and writing policy at the program, local, state, or federal level.

Preferred experience includes:

•        Experience with and knowledge of the Medicaid program and/or other health and human services programs serving low-income populations.

•        Lived experience with Medicaid and/or other health-related social needs common to individuals and families receiving Medicaid coverage.

•         Knowledge of Alternative Payment Models and value-based purchasing.

1.        Experience with the analysis, development, interpretation and/or implementation of policy and programs.

2.        Knowledge of health care benefit programs (e.g. MaineCare, other state Medicaid, or private insurance coverage) and relevant issues facing the health care field and health care consumers.

3.        Strong analytic and problem-solving skills.

4.        Knowledge of Medicaid policy, including but not limited to, coverage, reimbursement, eligibility, and/or systems.

5.        Demonstrated writing, editing and proofreading skills, including the ability to simplify and summarize technical language and complex subject matter in a concise manner and in alignment with plain language principles.

6.        The ability and motivation to effectively manage multiple long- and short-term projects with diverse stakeholder groups.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your experience and passion set you apart.

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.

The Office of MaineCare Services (OMS) within DHHS administers the state’s Medicaid program, which provides free or low-cost health insurance coverage for low-income Mainers so they can access the health care services they need to work, care for family, go to school, and participate in the community. OMS works collaboratively with other State agencies, the Legislature, the Office of the Governor, MaineCare members, health care providers, and other health care purchasers on statewide healthcare improvement initiatives. OMS is committed to advancing health equity efforts to improve access to care and positive health outcomes for all low-income Mainers. OMS provides benefit coverage and support services in alignment with Department goals, federal requirements, and State statutes. OMS also provides oversight necessary to ensure accountability and efficient and effective administration of the state’s Medicaid program.

The Policy Division is responsible for the development of policies and programs that provide eligible Maine residents with access to comprehensive, affordable, evidence-based health care services. The unit has primary responsibility for planning, writing, and promulgating administrative rules related to MaineCare covered services through formal rulemaking consistent with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act (MAPA).

For questions about this position, please contact Henry Eckerson at 207-624-4045.

Please submit all documents or files in PDF or Word format.

To request a paper application, please contact Mandy.Hernandez@Maine.gov