Topics Related to COVID-19

Consistent with the federal Department of Health and Human Services’ extension of the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency to January 21, 2021, NC Medicaid is extending COVID-19 temporary provider rate increases and clinical coverage policies to that same date. 

The US Department of Health and Human Services announced an additional funding opportunity for Medicaid/CHIP providers to apply for federal Provider Relief Funds. The application period runs through Nov. 6, 2020.

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) developed a program to reimburse primary care providers (PCP) with federal funds for providing medical care for COVID-19 related services to uninsured North Carolina residents. 

Strong infection prevention and control practices are critical to reducing the transmission of COVID-19 within long-term care facilities. NC DHHS is reiterating its expectation that providers participate in the infection prevention and control activities. 

This bulletin replaces SPECIAL BULLETIN COVID-19 #119 in its entirety.

NC Medicaid has received federal approval of additional flexibilities during the COVID-19 pandemic for the NC Innovations Waiver, for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

CMS and the American Medical Association have released a CPT code for an antigen test designed to detect proteins from the virus that causes COVID-19 in respiratory specimens. NC Medicaid is adding this CPT code to NCTracks for medically necessary laboratory testing effective Sept. 1, 2020.

NC Medicaid is temporarily increasing financial assistance to Federally Quality Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Centers (RHCs) to maintain critical access to care for Medicaid beneficiaries during the COVID-19 public health emergency. 

Medicaid/CHIP providers who have not yet submitted their applications for federal Provider Relief Fund are encouraged to apply. The deadline is Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020.

This bulletin outlines the process by which nursing homes may access interim payments of State-administered federal funding to support compliance with Secretarial Order No.2.