Adaptive Aids

Adaptive Aids are a covered service in the Home and Community Benefits for Persons with Mental Retardation. Adaptive aids which are covered in this waiver are those items not customarily covered by the Maine Care program. If traditional Maine Care covers the equipment or aid, it must billed as AT/DME.

For purposes of waiver members, adaptive aids are defined as medically necessary devices, items of specialized medical equipment and supplies including devices, controls or appliances which enable the member to increase ability to perform activities of daily living or to perceive, control or communicate with the environment in which they live. Examples of Adaptive aids (some of which may be reimbursed by traditional Maine Care) include:

lifts such as van lifts/adaptations, lift devices, standing boards, frames, standard wheelchairs including those with removable arms and leg rests, pediatric, “hemi” chairs, tilt-in-space and reclining wheelchairs;
control switches/pneumatic switches and devices such as sip and puff controls, and adaptive switches that increase member’s ability to perform activities of daily living;
environmental control units such as locks, electronic control units and safety restraints; and
other devices necessary for life support, ancillary supplies and equipment necessary for the proper functioning of such items and durable and non-durable medical equipment not otherwise covered by Maine Care.

All items costing in excess of $500 require documentation from a physician, occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist or physical therapist, that the purchase is appropriate to meet the person’s needs. This documentation must be present in the member's records. Adaptive Aids do not include such items as automobiles or other motor vehicles, swimming pools, hot tubs or whirlpool bath tubs.