Independent Support Brokers

Temporary Pause on Initial OADS Provider Applications (MaineCare Benefits Manual Sections 18, 20, 21, and 29)

Effective April 13, 2026, the Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) is temporarily pausing acceptance and review of initial applications from entities seeking to become OADS approved waiver providers (which includes Independent Support Brokers) under MaineCare Benefits Manual (MBM) Sections 18, 20, 21, and 29.

OADS is implementing this pause to help maintain timely and consistent review of applications, which OADS receives in high volumes, and to prioritize, with OADS’ limited staff resources, quality support and oversight of enrolled providers.

What does this mean:

  • Initial applications submitted to OADS on or after April 13, 2026, will not be accepted or processed during this pause. Providers seeking initial OADS approval should re-submit their applications after OADS resumes processing.
  • Applications submitted prior to April 13, 2026, will continue to move through the review process.
  • OADS will continue to support providers with OADS approvals already in effect, including with requests to add new services, provider updates or changes, and ongoing compliance activities.

OADS will post an update on this page when it resumes accepting and processing new applications. For questions, please contact waiverprovider.oads@maine.gov.

What is a Support Broker?

Support Brokers are trained self-direction experts who provide help and advice as you self-direct. If you are concerned about the responsibilities involved with self-direction, you will always have a Support Broker to help if you need it.

A Support Broker does not replace your Case Manager. If you choose to self-direct, your Case Manager will still work with you to develop a person-centered plan and coordinate your services. A Support Broker’s job is to make sure you are getting what you need and want out of self-direction.

About Independent Support Brokers

Are you interested in becoming an Independent Support Broker? The following resources are available to guide you through the process.

Apply Today

  1. Complete the Independent Support Broker Training.
  2. Complete your background check through the Maine Criminal History Record and Juvenile Crime Information Request Services (Does not work with Google Chrome).
  3. Complete the Support Broker application and you will be listed in the Provider Directory.

Tools for Support Brokers