DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES

Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance

PROPOSED

PUBLIC NOTICE

Home Health Services

In compliance with the State's Administrative Procedures Act (APA - Title 29, Chapter 101 of the Delaware Code), 42 CFR §447.205, and under the authority of Title 31 of the Delaware Code, Chapter 5, Section 512, Delaware Health and Social Services (DHSS) / Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA) is proposing to amend Home Health Services, specifically, to add accreditation as an option to Medicare certification for Medicaid providers.

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, Policy and Quality 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@state.de.us, or by fax to 302-255-4413 by 4:30 p.m. on July 2, 2018. Please identify in the subject line: Home Health 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 Home Health Services, specifically, to add accreditation as an option to Medicare certification for Medicaid providers.

Statutory Authority

Background

Currently, to receive reimbursement, Delaware Medicaid providers must obtain Medicare certification.

Delaware Health and Social Services (DHHS)/Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA) has worked closely with the provider community to develop an alternative which provides flexibility and removes limitations.

Summary of Proposal

Purpose

The purpose of this proposed regulation is to add accreditation as an option to Medicare certification for Medicaid providers.

Summary of Proposed Changes

Effective for services provided on and after September 1, 2018 Delaware Health and Social Services/Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DHSS/DMMA) proposes to amend Attachment 4.19-B Page 6 of Title XIX Medicaid State Plan regarding Home Health Services, specifically, to add accreditation as an option to Medicare certification for Medicaid providers.

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 447.205 and the state public notice requirements of Title 29, Chapter 101 of the Delaware Code, Delaware Health and Social Services (DHSS)/Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA) gives public notice and provides an open comment period for thirty (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 July 2, 2018.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Review and Approval

The provisions of this state plan amendment (SPA) 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 and/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 and/or Delaware Medical Assistance Portal will be updated. Manual updates, revised pages or additions to the provider manual are issued, as required, for new policy, policy clarification, and/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 to 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 Statement

There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the agency as a result of this proposed change in program policy.

AMENDED Attachment 4.19-B

Page 6

METHODS AND STANDARDS FOR ESTABLISHING PAYMENT RATES -

OTHER TYPES OF CARE

PAYMENTS FOR MEDICAL AND REMEDIAL CARE AND SERVICES

HOME HEALTH SERVICES

42 CFR 440.70

Home Health Services are reimbursed as follows:

Home Health Services are reimbursed in accordance with 42 CFR 42 CFR 440.70 and when provided as defined in Attachment 3.1-A of this State Plan, subject to the requirements of 42 CFR 441.15 and 42 CFR 441.16.

Home Health agencies must be certified by Medicare or by an accreditation organization and be properly licensed by the State in which they are located.

An "accreditation organization" means a professional organization that evaluates Home Health agencies and certifies that services are being performed in accordance with acceptable practices and established standards. A current list of approved accreditation organizations can be found at https://www.nahc.org/consumers-information/home-care-hospice-basics/accrediting-agencies/

Payment for Home Health Services shall be reimbursed as follows:

The rates are prospective and are arrayed to determine the seventy-fifth (75th) percentile for each procedure code. The 75th percentile refers to the array of rates with regard to the Delaware Medicaid enrolled providers at the time of the new rate methodology consideration. The rates are then inflated by the four (4) quarter moving average within the CMS Home Health Market Basket Index. The Inflated average cost is per fifteen (15) minutes for each procedure code. Supply cost will be reimbursed as part of the skilled nursing and home health aide prospective rates.

An inflation factor will be applied to the prior year's rates to determine the current year's rates. The inflation indices are obtained from the CMS Home Health Market Basket Index.