Partner Points: September 2023

Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services sent this bulletin at 09/27/2023 10:24 AM EDT

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– Partner Points Newsletter September 2023 –

Important Updates

Updated Regulations for Personal Care Attendants

The pandemic-related flexibility that allows reimbursement to parents of children under age 18 or spouses of Medicaid members for providing personal care services will end on November 10, 2023. To ensure a smooth transition, service facilitators and agency providers should work with legally responsible individuals (LRIs) currently receiving reimbursements to search for an alternate caregiver as soon as possible.

DMAS recently received federal approval to permanently allow parents of children under age 18 and spouses to receive payment to provide personal care services when no one else is available. For parents of minors or spouses to receive payment as the paid caregiver after November 10, 2023, LRIs must show their recent efforts to find or hire a personal care attendant and show that no one is available.

DMAS will continue to keep you informed on these changes and will provide training for providers and families. Thank you for your continued efforts to serve the needs of our Medicaid members.

Things to Know

DMAS Hosts Southwest Provider Summit

DMAS hosted a regional provider summit in Abingdon, Va., in late August. Facilitated by DMAS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lisa Price Stevens and attended by more than 80 area providers, this all-day event provided an opportunity to hear from the Southwest provider community about their interests and concerns and share more about Virginia Medicaid initiatives.

This dynamic Provider Summit featured presentations on maternal health, pharmacy, and behavioral health. In addition, the event included Narcan training provided by the Appalachian Substance Abuse Coalition, a demonstration of the Emergency Department Care Coordination Platform by Virginia Health Information, and a panel discussion on improving maternal health and child health outcomes.

Visit the DMAS website to access the provider summit presentation materials and other information. Stay tuned for details about a future provider summit in your area, or contact Karla.Callaham@dmas.virginia.gov for more information.

Reminder: Magellan BHSA to Transition to Acentra Health

The last day that Magellan Behavioral Health Services Administrator (BHSA) will accept requests for service authorizations is October 31, 2023. Starting November 1, 2023, Acentra Health (formerly KePro) will oversee all service authorizations for behavioral health and Addiction and Recovery Treatment Services (ARTS) for Fee-for-Service members.

To ensure a smooth transition and on-time payment for services, you must take actions now in MES PRSS portal and attend trainings with Acentra. Please review the essential Medicaid Bulletins regarding the transition to Acentra Health, as well as information about provider training.

Please note that this transition does not impact any services covered by the DMAS-contracted Managed Care Organizations.

2023 Language & Disability Access Plan Now Available

language and disability access plan cover image

DMAS is pleased to share our updated Language & Disability Access Plan. This document, available in English and Spanish, reflects our commitment to communicating effectively and meaningfully with our Virginia Medicaid population.

The 2023 Language & Disability Access Plan is a roadmap that ensures compliance with state and federal laws. It guarantees that individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) and people with disabilities can fully access and benefit from our services. The plan consists of policies, procedures, and strategies designed to improve our communication with our diverse population. Moreover, the plan outlines the steps required for our staff and stakeholders to deliver language services, collect relevant data, and provide services while ensuring cultural sensitivity.

We invite you to review the Language & Disability Access Plan and join us in our mission to foster a more inclusive and accessible community for everyone we serve.

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