Prior to 1975 known as the Department of Health and Welfare, the mission of this executive department is to protect and preserve the health and welfare of Maine citizens. More recently known as the Department of Human Services, it is now the Department of Health and Human Services. The change reflects the fact that the department now contains the former Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation.

Its mission is accomplished by administering programs and providing services established by Federal and State laws. The Department directs a wide-ranging system of programs in social and rehabilitation services, income maintenance, mental health, public health and medical services.

The Department operates the MaineCare, the State’s version of the federal Medicaid program.  It is a health insurance progran for Maine people who have a disability or health care needs and an income below certain limits.   Coverage includes hospital care, doctor visits, medications, physical and occupational therapy, and other related services.

Among the Department’s other responsibilities are prograns related to adoption, child welfare, health informayion, public health and disease reporting, employment assistance, foster care, long-term care, substance abuse, and suicide prevention.

It also is the official repository of vital records: birth, death, marriage and divorce records.

Additional resources

Maine. Legislature. Joint Select Special Committee on Governmental Reorganization. Maine Department of Human Services. Augusta, M. The Committee. 1971?

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