Topics Related to Personal Care Services Providers

NC Medicaid’s Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) system will launch on Jan. 1, 2021, for State Plan Personal Care Services, CAP/DA and CAP/C. During the first 90 days following launch, we will operate EVV as “Pay and Report.” EVV implementation for TBI waiver and LME-MCO services programs is planned for April 2, 2021.

NC Medicaid State Plan Personal Care Services (PCS) and Community Alternatives Programs (CAP) providers who render personal care-type services, are required to complete a secure survey regarding Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) by Dec. 7, 2020.

Effective Jan. 1, 2021, Personal Care Services and Community Alternatives Programs providers subject to Electronic Visit Verification will no longer be able to submit claims using span dating.

This Bulletin replaces SPECIAL BULLETIN COVID-19 #22 in its entirety. NC Medicaid has updated its emergency planning document called an Appendix K to expand its flexibilities on how Medicaid providers and beneficiaries may access and receive home- and community-based services (HCBS) through the CAP waivers in the wake of COVID-19, previously referenced in SPECIAL BULLETIN COVID-19 #22. Updates to the previous Bulletin are noted.

NC DHHS awarded a contract to Sandata Technologies, LLC on Sept. 24, 2020, and will implement services for Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) statewide on Jan. 1, 2021. EVV is a method used to verify visit activity for services delivered as part of home- and community-based service programs. EVV offers a measure of accountability to help ensure that individuals who are authorized to receive services in fact receive them.

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. 

NOTE: UPCOMING PROVIDER WEBINAR

NC Medicaid COVID+ Rate Reporting Technical Assistance Session

Wednesday, June 3, 1:00 p.m.

Register

NC Medicaid is implementing a targeted rate increase and additional billable hours for State Plan and CAP/C and CAP/DA In-Home Personal Care Service (PCS) providers for direct service to a COVID-19-positive (COVID+) beneficiary. This bulletin:

NC Medicaid continues provide support to Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF) and Personal Care Services (PCS) and Home Health (HH) providers to strengthen their infection prevention and management activities as they serve beneficiaries at high risk of contracting COVID-19. 

During the period of the State of Emergency, supervisory visits must be conducted, but may be conducted utilizing eligible technologies that allow the supervising registered nurse to remotely communicate and evaluate services rendered. Supervisory visits can be delivered via any HIPAA-compliant, secure technology with audio and video capabilities including (but not limited to) smart phones, tablets and computers.

PACE organizations should continue to follow the guidance of the local, state and federal officials regarding COVID-19 and thoroughly document reasoning for making decisions which may fall outside of the PACE program model. This guidance supplements the Special Bulletin COVID-19 #27 released on March 30, 2020.  The temporary flexibilities noted in Special Bulletin COVID-19 #27 and this Special Bulletin will end the earlier of the cancellation of the North Carolina state of emergency declaration or December 31, 2020.