MyODP News Online Digest — May 3, 2024
Medicaid
Statewide Briefing on Medicaid Unwinding & Expanded Enrollment Options Planned for April 25
On April 25, 2024, at 12:00 pm, a virtual statewide briefing will be conducted on Medicaid unwinding and expanded enrollment options. This event will feature Health and Human Services (HHS) Regional Director Melissa Herd, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Val Arkoosh, and Pennie Executive Director Devon Trolley.
The agenda will include a briefing on what’s happening at the federal level when it comes to Medicaid, an update on the Medicaid “unwinding” process currently wrapping up in Pennsylvania, and the expanded eligibility requirements for enrolling in Pennie coverage even when it’s not open enrollment.
To register, please visit here.
White House Announces Release of Access Final Rule
The While House issued a press release announcing that the Access Final Rule will be released later today. These regulations include:
- The Nursing Home Minimum Staffing Rule, which will require all nursing homes that receive federal funding through Medicare and Medicaid to have 3.48 hours per resident per day of total staffing, including a defined number from both registered nurses (0.55 hours per resident per day) and nurse aides (2.45 per resident per day);
- Introducing the requirements of the rule in phases to make sure nursing homes have the time they need to hire staff, with longer timeframes for rural communities;
- Ensuring adequate compensation for home care workers for HCBS operations of in-home care (both Personal Assistance Services and Community Habilitation) by “requiring that at least 80 percent of Medicaid payments for home care services go to workers’ wages. This policy would also allow states to take into account the unique experiences that small home care providers and providers in rural areas face while ensuring their employees receive their fair share of Medicaid payments and continued training as well as the delivery of quality care;”
- The state requirement to be more transparent in how much they pay for home care services and how they set those rates, increasing the accountability for home care providers; and
- The creation of a state home care rate-setting advisory group made up of beneficiaries, home care workers, and other key stakeholders to advise and consult on provider payment rates and direct compensation for direct care workers.
We will continue to monitor the details of these regulations and Pennsylvania’s plans to comply. If you have any questions, please contact Fady Sahhar.
Nine States Chosen to Join National Effort to Improve Health Equity in Medicaid by Addressing HRSN
Capitolwire: Legislative Report Suggests Rewrite of Landmark 1966 Law
Federal Response to Cyberattack: Support for Health Care Providers and Suppliers
Message from The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS):
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is continuing to monitor and assess the impact that the cyberattack on UnitedHealth Group’s subsidiary Change Healthcare has had on all provider and supplier types. Today, CMS is announcing that, in addition to considering applications for accelerated payments for Medicare Part A providers, we will also be considering applications for advance payments for Part B suppliers.
Over the last few days, we have continued to meet with health plans, providers and suppliers to hear about their most pressing concerns. As announced previously, we have directed our Medicare Administrative Contractors (MAC) to expedite actions needed for providers and suppliers to change the clearinghouse they use and to accept paper claims if providers need to use that method. We will continue to respond to provider and supplier inquiries regarding MAC processes.
CMS also recognizes that many Medicaid providers are deeply affected by the impact of the cyberattack. We are continuing to work closely with States and are urging Medicaid managed care plans to make prospective payments to impacted providers, as well.
All MACs will provide public information on how to submit a request for a Medicare accelerated or advance payment on their websites as early as today, Saturday, March 9.
CMS looks forward to continuing to support the provider community during this difficult situation. All affected providers should reach out to health plans and other payers for assistance with the disruption. CMS has encouraged Medicare Advantage (MA) organizations to offer advance funding to providers affected by this cyberattack. The rules governing CMS’s payments to MA organizations and Part D sponsors remain unchanged. Please note that nothing in this statement speaks to the arrangements between MA organizations or Part D sponsors and their contracted providers or facilities.
If you have any questions, please contact Fady Sahhar.
State of the Union Address and Impact on IDD Services
RCPA Member Achieva & PA Health Law Project to Host Webinar on Medicaid Waivers for Disabilities
RCPA member Achieva and the Pennsylvania Health Law Project are hosting a webinar titled “Understanding Medicaid Home and Community-Based Waivers for People With Disabilities” from 10 am – 12 pm on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Led by Janice Meinert from the Pennsylvania Health Law Project, the webinar will explore Pennsylvania’s Medicaid Home & Community-Based Waiver programs. Topics include eligibility criteria, the application process, available services, and annual waiver clinical eligibility redeterminations. For more details and registration, visit Achieva’s website. This project receives funding from the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council. For accessibility accommodations, please contact Patty Yerina. If you have additional questions, you may contact Jim Sharp, RCPA Mental Health Policy Director.
Free Webinar on Medicaid and Social Security Benefits for Transition-Age Youth on March 26
AARP: Credit for Caring Act Offers Relief for Financially Strained Family Caregivers
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