Medicaid Updates 10/18/2019

View in browser | Distributed by Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS) State EVV Compliance Survey Section 12006(a) of the 21st Century Cures Act (the Cures Act) requires states to implement electronic visit verification (EVV) for all Medicaid-funded personal care services (PCS) and home health care services (HHCS) that require an in-home visit by a provider. States are required to implement EVV for PCS by January 1, 2020 and HHCS by January 1, 2023, unless they have been granted a one year good-faith effort (GFE) exemption. Otherwise, the state is subject to incremental Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) reductions beginning in the first calendar quarter of 2020 for PCS expenditures. Starting November 2019, states will have the opportunity to complete a web-based survey to self-report their progress on implementing EVV for PCS.  The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will use the survey to evaluate states' compliance with EVV requirements and to determine whether FMAP reductions will need to be applied.  The survey assesses whether states require the use of EVV for all PCS that fall within the scope of the Cures Act and asks states to describe how they have ensured their EVV systems: Are minimally burdensome; Do not limit provider selection; Do not constrain beneficiaries' selection of a caregiver; Do not impede the manner in which care is delivered; Are conducted in accordance with the requirements of HIPAA privacy and security law; and, Took into account a stakeholder process that included input from beneficiaries, family caregivers, and providers. The survey tool will only be accessible to State Medicaid Directors and/or their designees. The survey will be a live form, meaning states will have the ability to update their EVV status on a continuous basis. Because FMAP reductions are assigned each quarter, states not in compliance with Cures Act requirements will be encouraged to review their survey information on a quarterly basis and update their response when they achieve compliance to ensure FMAP reductions are lifted in a timely manner. States who wish to demonstrate compliance by January 1, 2020 should complete the survey by that date to avoid FMAP reductions.  Please note that states who have been granted a GFE exemption will not need to complete the survey until November, 2020.  You can view which states have been approved for a GFE exemption on the CMS EVV website. In addition, the EVV compliance survey materials are available to view on Reginfo.gov.   CMS will be following up with state Medicaid agencies in November with specific instructions for completing the survey online. In addition CMS will be hosting a webinar on October 23, 2019 from 1:00 to 2:30 pm EST to walk states through the survey questions.  Please email EVV@cms.hhs.gov with any questions about the survey. Participant-only Registration Participant only dial in number: +1 (833) 612-0014 Conference ID: 2889575 Note: the dial-in number and link to participate will also be sent out once registered for the event. CMS Medicaid Seeking Visionary Chief Medical Officer The Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS) is one of six Centers within the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) , an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).  CMCS serves as the focal point for all national program policies and operations for state-based health coverage programs. As the Center's Chief Medical Officer, this position will function as a senior medical advisor and consultant to executive leadership, staff and key stakeholders. Providing clinical expertise across all aspects of the Medicaid program, this position will help advance one of the largest and most complex healthcare programs in the nation, towards value-based care and modernization. Tapping into your patient care expertise, this position will be the "clinical conscious" of the Center advising leadership and staff on all aspects of the program, from enrollment and eligibility through benefits and improving patient outcomes.  In partnership with state Medicaid agencies, this position will play a key role helping to improve the health care quality delivered through the Medicaid and CHIP programs as part of the overall quality improvement strategy; ensuring alignment of program objectives and metrics across Medicaid, Medicare, marketplace private insurance, etc.  This position will lead the center's participation in the "Patient's over Paperwork" initiative, helping to reduce unnecessary regulatory burden to allow providers to concentrate on improving patient outcomes. Further, this position will be responsible for promoting and advocating for the organization's vision, mission, and goals by building strong business partnerships as well as strengthening existing relationships with various entities including those from other HHS Agencies, other Federal organizations, state partners, advocacy groups, other clinical experts, etc.  We look forward to someone joining our CMS team, a team that makes a real difference in people's lives through passion and the pursuit of excellence.  In order to receive consideration for this worthwhile opportunity, please submit your complete application, including all required documents, as described in the official vacancy announcement.               Stay connected with Medicaid.gov and CMS: Modify/Update Subscriber Preferences  |  Unsubscribe  |  Contact Us   Questions or problems? Please contact subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com. This e-mail was sent to myhcistech.healthnews360@blogger.com using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (410-786-5473) · 7500 Security Boulevard · Baltimore MD 21244