Feb. 01, 2022. This bulletin was updated for further clarity regarding ICF-IID per diem rates.
In response to provider feedback, NC Medicaid is clarifying the amount and funding of the increase and moving the deadline to submit wage data.
This information is an update to SPECIAL BULLETIN COVID-19 #213: Direct Care Worker ICF-IID Wage Increase. Please review the updated bulletin in its entirety for details.
Clarification to the Amount and Funding of the Increase Effective Feb. 1, 2022
NC Medicaid has determined that the total ICF-IID per diem rate increase effective Feb. 1, 2022, will be $102.06. Thsii rate increase is composed of the following two components:
- $68.76 funded by the recurring Legislated Appropriations
- $33.30 funded through March with appropriated funds, and from April 1, 2022, forward by an increase in the ICF-IID per bed assessment (NC Medicaid will provide additional information regarding the assessment increase closer to the date of implementation)
This recurring increase to the ICF-IID per diem rate replaces the temporary COVID-19 rate increases in effect in January 2022. That temporary COVID-19 rate increase is end-dated Jan. 31, 2022.
Note: The requirement to pass on 80% of the rate increase to direct care worker wages applies only to the $68.76 increment.
Providers must be Medicaid-enrolled and recognized by NC Medicaid as an in-state privately owned intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ICF-IIDs), including ICF-IID-level group homes. NC Medicaid will distribute the funding for direct care worker wage increases to NC Medicaid Managed Care organizations (LME/MCOs and PHPs) through capitation rate increases. NC Medicaid Managed Care organizations are required to increase reimbursement rates for eligible providers consistent with the increases above. Providers within NC Medicaid Direct will have funds distributed through NC Medicaid Direct rate increases.
Adjusted Due Date for Submission of Baseline Wage Data
Based on feedback from providers regarding the time-intensiveness of pulling together wage data to document baseline pay levels for the direct care workers who will receive wage increases, NC Medicaid is moving the due date for this data from Monday, January 31 to Friday, March 4.
Note: Providers are still required to submit attestations by 5 p.m. ET on Jan. 31, 2022, as posted previously. There is no change to that requirement.