PORTLAND (WGME) — A member of the U.S. Inspector General’s Office is speaking about the recently released report into Maine’s Medicaid program.
The report found Maine made roughly $45 million in improper Medicaid payments for services provided to children diagnosed with autism. The report noted the payments didn’t fully comply with federal and state requirements.
The federal agency says payments for the services jumped by more than $20 million over a span of four years.
That increase is what helped trigger the audit.
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“It is not clear that the children were actually receiving effective therapy services,” Assistant Regional Inspector General for Audit Services Pei Sun said. “It’s undermining really the integrity of the state programs, and it impacts every taxpayer, right? Because we pay for these programs.”
The Inspector General gave multiple recommendations to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, such as refunding the federal government $28 million.
Maine DHHS responded to these claims, saying that the Inspector General’s report is based on a “routine,” “programmatic audit.” They note it “does not include findings or allegations of fraud,” and instead potential “documentation and compliance issues” they claim the state is now reviewing.
The Inspector General says their office will continue to follow up with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to monitor the state’s progress on implementing their recommendations.
Max McClung scored 12 of his 33 points in the fourth quarter, and the Windy City Bulls went on a 15-2 run in the fourth quarter to pull away for a 121-106 win over the Maine Celtics in an NBA G League game Friday night at the Portland Expo.
Kevin Knox II added 30 points, 21 in the second half.
Amari Williams led the Celtics with 26 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Jalen Bridges made six 3-pointers and finished with 22 points, but the Celtics dropped to 2-8 in their last 10 games. Maine has lost four straight games at the Expo.
Press Herald sports writers nominate high school athletes from the prior week’s games.
Readers vote for their top choice and the winner will be announced in the newspapers the following Sunday all season long!
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A collective of environmental, arts and Indigenous-led organizations is collaborating to produce We Are the Watershed, a two-day event aimed at reconnecting humans with nature and revitalizing the health of waterways, estuaries, and the bay in Peskotomuhkatikuk (traditional Passamaquoddy territory). Events, including theatrical performances, music, culinary experiences and an exhibition of submitted artwork, will be held on May 1 and 2 at Eastport Arts Center (EAC). A publication of written and visual works will also be released with proceeds to support conservation efforts and spreading awareness of their impacts.
Submissions sought: Written and visual works are currently sought from artists and creatives on both sides of the border across Peskotomuhkatikuk for the publication, which will be sold by donation at the May event. Proceeds from the sale will be dedicated to related community-building efforts, public engagement, and continued restoration efforts. The deadline for digital submission for the publication is April 1.
Physical works can be dropped off at EAC Sunday, April 26 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to be a part of the exhibition, which will run May 1 through 15. Artists under 18 will receive 100% of the proceeds if they opt to put their pieces up for sale during the exhibit, which will run May 1 through May 15. Artists over 18 will receive 70% of the proceeds with the remainder going toward promoting awareness of and supporting conservation efforts for the Passamaquoddy Bay.
The Eastport Arts Center
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Every week through Apr 01, 2026. Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
