DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES
Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance
PROPOSED
PUBLIC NOTICE
Chiropractors' Services
In compliance with the State's Administrative Procedures Act (APA - Title 29, Chapter 101 of the Delaware Code) and under the authority of 31 Del. C. § 512, Delaware Health and Social Services ("Department") / Division of Social Services (DHSS/DSS) is proposing to amend Title XIX Medicaid State Plan regarding chiropractors' services, specifically, to allow coverage guidelines for treatment more consistent with the licensure scope of practice for chiropractors.
Any person who wishes to make written suggestions, compilations of data, testimony, briefs or other written materials concerning the proposed new regulations must submit same to, Planning and Policy Unit, Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance, 1901 North DuPont Highway, P.O. Box 906, New Castle, Delaware 19720-0906, by email to Nicole.M.Cunningham@delaware.gov, or by fax to 302-255-4413 by 4:30 p.m. on December 31, 2021. Please identify in the subject line: Chiropractors' Services.
The action concerning the determination of whether to adopt the proposed regulation will be based upon the results of Department and Division staff analysis and the consideration of the comments and written materials filed by other interested persons.
SUMMARY OF PROPOSAL
The purpose of this notice is to advise the public that Delaware Health and Social Services (DHSS)/Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA) is proposing to amend Title XIX Medicaid State Plan regarding chiropractors' services, specifically, to allow coverage guidelines for treatment more consistent with the licensure scope of practice for chiropractors.
Statutory Authority
Background
In May of 2014, the Center for Medicaid Services (CMS) approved the Delaware Health and Social Services (DHSS) /Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA) Alternative Benefit Plan (ABP) with an effective date of January 1, 2014. The ABP included benchmarks and benchmark equivalent services reflective of the current Medicaid State Plan. Additionally, DMMA added chiropractors' services to the ABP for this newly eligible low-income adult population. Previously, Delaware's Medicaid State Plan only covered chiropractors' services for children under the authority of 42 CFR §441 Subpart B, Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) of Individuals under Age 21. In May of 2017, CMS approved DMMAs extended coverage of chiropractors' services to all Delaware Medicaid beneficiaries to increase the quality of care and reduce long-term costs of treating chronic pain.
Effective October 24, 2018, the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act) became public law. This healthcare act outlines national strategies to help address the nation's opioid crisis. As part of the SUPPORT Act, CMS has promoted appropriate opioid prescribing and person-centered pain management. States began strategizing with providers and beneficiaries to increase non-opioid treatments and technologies to help treat acute and chronic pain. To that end, DMMA would like to expand the coverage of chiropractors' services to allow coverage guidelines for treatment more consistent with the licensure scope of practice for chiropractors.
Summary of Proposal
Purpose
The purpose of this proposed regulation is to allow coverage guidelines for treatment more consistent with the licensure scope of practice for chiropractors.
Summary of Proposed Changes
Effective for services provided on and after January 1, 2022, DHSS/DMMA proposes to amend Title XIX Medicaid State Plan regarding chiropractors' services, specifically, to allow coverage guidelines for treatment more consistent with the licensure scope of practice for chiropractors.
Public Notice
In accordance with the federal public notice requirements established at Section 1902(a)(13)(A) of the Social Security Act and 42 CFR 440.386 and the state public notice requirements of Title 29, Chapter 101 of the Delaware Code, DHSS/DMMA gives public notice and provides an open comment period for 30 days to allow all stakeholders an opportunity to provide input on the proposed regulation. Comments must be received by 4:30 p.m. on December 31, 2021.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Review and Approval
This state plan amendment (SPA) provisions are subject to approval by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The draft SPA page(s) may undergo further revisions before and after submittal to CMS based upon public comment or CMS feedback. The final version may be subject to significant change.
Provider Manuals and Communications Update
Also, there may be additional provider manuals that may require updates as a result of these changes. The applicable Delaware Medical Assistance Program (DMAP) Provider Policy Specific Manuals or Delaware Medical Assistance Portal will be updated. Manual updates, revised pages, or additions to the provider manual are issued, as required, for the new policy, policy clarification, or revisions to the DMAP program. Provider billing guidelines or instructions to incorporate any new requirement may also be issued. A newsletter system is utilized to distribute new or revised manual material and provide any other pertinent information regarding DMAP updates. DMAP updates are available on the Delaware Medical Assistance Portal website: https://medicaid.dhss.delaware.gov/provider
Fiscal Impact
The anticipated fiscal impact is below.
Attachment 3.1-A
Page 3 Addendum
STATE PLAN UNDER TITLE XIX OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT
STATE/TERRITORY: DELAWARE
LIMITATIONS ON AMOUNT, DURATION AND SCOPE OF MEDICAL AND REMEDIAL CARE AND SERVICES PROVIDED TO THE CATEGORICALLY NEEDY
6. Medical Care and other type of remedial care recognized under state law, furnished by licensed practitioners within the scope of their practice as defined by state law (continued).
6.b. Optometrists’ Services
These services are reimbursed:
1. For Medicaid-eligible Individuals under age 21, as an EPSDT service (routine eye exams including refraction and provision of eyeglasses); or
2. For Medicaid-eligible individuals over age 21, medically necessary diagnostic and treatment services provided under the scope of optometric practice in State law for symptomatic Medicaid recipients (i.e. disease, injury, illness, or other medical disorder of the eyes), excluding routine eye exams or refractions related to the provision of eyeglasses and excluding coverage of eyeglasses.
6.c. Chiropractors’ Services
Chiropractic services are furnished in accordance with 42 CFR 440.60(b) and include only services that are provided by a chiropractor who is licensed by the State, and consists of medically necessary treatment by means of manual manipulation of the spine and allowable adjunctive therapy associated with the treatment of neck, back, pelvic/sacral, and extraspinal pain and/or dysfunction, that the chiropractor is legally authorized by the State to perform. Services may be subject to prior authorization and/or medical review, and include:
1. Evaluation and management services;
2. Diagnostic x-rays; and
3. Chiropractic manipulative treatment. treatment; and
4. Allowable adjunctive therapy service.
Provider Qualifications: Qualified chiropractors must be licensed per Delaware licensure requirements codified in Chapter 7, Title 24 of the Delaware Administrative Code, Professions and Occupations.
6.d. Other Practitioners’ Services
1. Licensed Midwife services are services permitted under scope of practice authorized by state law for the licensed midwife.
2. Licensed Behavioral Health Practitioner: A licensed behavioral health practitioner (LBHP) is a professional who is licensed in the State of Delaware to diagnose and treat mental illness or substance abuse acting within the scope of all applicable state laws and their professional license. A LBHP includes professionals licensed to practice independently:
