Topics Related to COVID-19

Effective March 30, 2020 NC Medicaid is temporarily modifying the Home Infusion Therapy Clinical Coverage Policy No.: 3H-1 to better enable the delivery of remote care to Medicaid members. These temporary changes will end the earlier of the cancellation of the North Carolina state of emergency declaration or when this policy is rescinded. This expansion of home infusion therapy serves to allow beneficiaries to receive services in the home rather than in a dedication infusion center to reduce potential exposure to COVID-19.

Effective March 25, 2020, due to drug shortages in the marketplace, the NC Medicaid and NC Health Choice PDL Category of “Respiratory: Beta-Adrenergic Handheld, Short Acting” has changed.

Select provider types enrolled in the North Carolina Medicaid Program are required to file annual Medicaid cost reports utilizing cost reporting schedules which are based on approved Medicare cost reporting platforms.

NOTE: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have approved Appendix K flexibilities mentioned below. - April 9, 2020

NC Medicaid has implemented flexibilities on how Medicaid providers and beneficiaries may access and receive Medicaid services in the wake of COVID-19. Utilization and prior approval limits for specific State Plan Medicaid services will be relaxed for all Medicaid beneficiaries impacted by COVID-19 including individuals participating in the NC Innovations Waiver and the NC TBI Waiver. NC Medicaid has created an emergency planning document called Appendix K to seek approval to modify the scope, frequency, amount and setting of how waiver services are used and approved.

NOTE: SPECIAL BULLETIN COVID-19 #22 has been replaced in its entirety by SPECIAL BULLETIN COVID-19 #143: CAP/C and CAP/DA Home- and Community-Based Services Flexibilities Update for Beneficiaries Enrolled in 1915(c) Waivers

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have approved Appendix K flexibilities mentioned below. - April 9, 2020

NC Medicaid has implemented flexibilities on how Medicaid providers and beneficiaries may access and receive Medicaid services in the wake of COVID-19. Prior approval and service utilization limits for specific State Plan Medicaid services will be relaxed for all Medicaid beneficiaries impacted by COVID-19, including individuals participating in the Community Alternatives Program (CAP) waivers.

NOTE: SPECIAL BULLETIN COVID-19 #21 has been replaced in its entirety by SPECIAL BULLETIN COVID-19 #36: Telehealth Clinical Policy Modifications - Outpatient Specialized Therapies and Dental Services

NOTE: SPECIAL BULLETIN COVID-19 #20 has been replaced in its entirety by SPECIAL BULLETIN COVID-19 #35: Telehealth Clinical Policy Modifications - Enhanced Behavioral Services

NOTE: SPECIAL BULLETIN COVID-19 #19 has been replaced in its entirety by SPECIAL BULLETIN COVID-19 #34: Telehealth Clinical Policy Modifications - Definitions, Eligible Providers, Services and Codes.

This Bulletin provides information to local Departments of Social Services (DSS) and NEMT providers on NC Medicaid’s requirements for NEMT services, the recommended safety procedures and protocols to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and guidance. 

Effective March 27, 2020, North Carolina Medicaid is requiring prior approval for hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine containing products. Prior approval is required to ensure beneficiaries continue to have access to these medications for maintenance of their autoimmune conditions, for treatment of malaria, and for treatment of extraintestinal amebiasis.