OCTOBER 28, 2021 | COMMUNICATION BULLETIN 2021-22 ISSUE 23 IN THIS ISSUE: Q&A Webinar for Vaya Health Network Providers | Appendix K Flexibilities Update | Extended: Open Public Comment Period for the Draft Olmstead Plan | Virtual Webinar and Q&A: Proposed State Funded Definitions – Supported Living Periodic and Residential Supports (I/DD and TBI) | BreathEasyNC: Becoming Tobacco Free
Q&A Webinar for Vaya Health Network Providers Tomorrow, Oct. 29, 2021, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Our Provider Q&A Webinars are an important source of the most up-to-date information on topics that affect providers. Registration is not required. All Vaya network providers are encouraged to join. Agenda topics for this week include Medicaid Transformation, Vaya/Cardinal consolidation, education and participation opportunities, COVID-19 flexibilities, and Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) updates.
Q&A WEBINAR FOR VAYA NETWORK PROVIDERS - OCT. 29, 2021
COVID-19 NEWS AND UPDATES Appendix K Flexibilities Update On April 6, 2020, the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved the initial Appendix K Emergency Preparedness and Response Waiver Request submitted by NCDHHS in response to the COVID-19 State of Emergency. Appendix K allows specific flexibilities in how Medicaid beneficiaries receive home and community-based services through the Community Alternatives Programs for Children and Disabled Adults (CAP/C and CAP/DA) and the NC Innovations and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) waivers. Appendix K flexibilities for CAP/C, CAP/DA, and the Innovations and TBI waivers have been updated to include an anticipated end date of “through six months following the end of the Public Health Emergency”. The anticipated end date of the federal public health emergency is currently Jan. 13, 2022. Accordingly, Vaya anticipates the Appendix K flexibilities are extended from April 20, 2022, to at least July 12, 2022. Extended flexibilities will require submission of Vaya’s updated COVID19 Appendix K Reporting Form (version 7.0).
The requested effective start date for Appendix K-related changes can be no earlier than July 12, 2021, and the requested effective end date for changes can be no later than July 12, 2022. Please be aware that Innovations Waiver participants under age 22 are subject to limits on sets of services during the school year. Respite is the only service allowed during the school day during the Appendix K flexibilities, with specific parameters around its use. Please review Joint Communication Bulletin #375 for details.
Extended: Open Public Comment Period for the Draft Olmstead Plan On Oct. 12. 2021, NCDHHS released a draft of its Olmstead Plan , which is designed to help people with disabilities live in and experience the full benefits of inclusive communities. NCDHHS has extended the plan’s public comment period through Nov. 8, 2021. To submit a public comment, email ncolmstead@tacinc.org or write to the address below: Technical Assistance Collaborative c/o Jenn Ingle 3 Bigelow Drive Berlin, MA 01503
Virtual Webinar and Q&A: Proposed State Funded Definitions – Supported Living Periodic and Residential Supports (I/DD and TBI) Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, 1 – 2 p.m. The I/DD and TBI Section of the NC Division of MHDDSAS will provide an informational webinar for the proposed definitions, Supported Living Periodic and Residential Supports (I/DD and TBI) services. The webinar will include service criteria and definition highlights. Join the webinar via WebEx Event number (access code): 2435 803 3132 Event password: SFS1005 For more information, email DMHIDDCONTACT@dhhs.nc.gov.
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES BreathEasyNC: Becoming Tobacco Free Nov. 17, 2021, 12 – 5 p.m. The Duke UNC Tobacco Treatment Specialist Training Program will offer a one-day virtual training to help behavioral health leaders and practitioners make behavioral health facilities 100% tobacco-free to prepare for the NC Medicaid tobacco-free policy requirement, which takes effect July 1, 2022. The course will also help participants improve their skills in providing evidence-based tobacco use treatment concurrently with mental health and substance use disorder treatment. To learn more and register, visit the BreatheEasyNC training website.
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