Apply for
Find
Report abuse
This page includes news and resources for providers enrolled to serve Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) members. News articles are retained on the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) website for one year. Current messages are linked below.
We will update this section with information about MN–ITS availability, technical information and other systems announcements when necessary.
The July 1, 2020, Housing Stabilization Services benefit start date will be delayed due to the impact of COVID-19. We estimate services to begin in mid-July 2020, with billing available in early August 2020. We will update this webpage when these services are available.
The following explains the status of housing stabilization services training and enrollment, and how you can prepare for the service start date.
Pre-service start date recommendations
Make sure members are enrolled in Medical Assistance. If the person is on Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance, locate a copy of their award letter before services begin. Note that each of the assessment pathways (MnCHOICES, Professional Statement of Need and Coordinated Entry) are in the process of being updated and will be released for use soon. Ensure members you serve get an updated assessment through the pathway most appropriate to their circumstance after the process is released.
Mandated provider training
The mandated housing stabilization services provider training for housing consultation, housing sustaining and housing transition is under development. Modules of the housing stabilization services provider training are expected to be released during June and July. Your staff must complete the mandated housing stabilization services provider training within 30 days of when staff start delivering the service or within 30 days of when the trainings are available, whichever is later.
Billing labs
Provider Relations Training Unit will host billing labs to train MHCP-enrolled providers to use the MN–ITS online billing system after housing stabilization services begin. We will post billing lab dates under Housing Stabilization Services on the MHCP enrolled provider training webpage after billing labs have been scheduled.
Remote roadshows
Remote regional roadshows will replace face-to-face regional roadshows with counties, tribes and providers due to COVID-19. Remote regional roadshows will be held during June and July 2020. Information about the remote regional roadshows will be announced through GovDelivery messages when the information becomes available.
Provider enrollment
Providers may enroll now to provide housing stabilization services. See the Housing Stabilization Services Enrollment Criteria and Forms webpage to enroll.
Email dhshousingstabilization@state.mn.us if you have questions about this message. (pub. 6/4/20)
Minnesota Department of Human Services has made temporary policy modifications to PCA services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
DHS will publish a bulletin outlining these changes under Waivers under peacetime emergency authority, Executive Order 20-12, No. 32 on the Waivers and modifications webpage.
These changes affect PCA services authorized through:
See the Coronavirus (COVID-19) section of the Minnesota Health Care Programs Provider Manual for more information about these changes, including documentation and billing instructions. (pub. 6/3/20)
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is working with the accounting and consulting firm Myers and Stauffer LC to conduct reviews of Nonemergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) services for Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP). Myers and Stauffer has many years of experience performing Medicaid NEMT audits and oversight studies for multiple states. Myers and Stauffer will review documentation for transportation claims billed by NEMT providers and paid by MHCP to identify compliance with state and federal program requirements.
DHS and Myers and Stauffer will conduct provider outreach through various messaging formats in the coming months. The goal is to review all programs throughout the year. Random sampling will be done to identify which providers and claims will be reviewed each month. See Myers and Stauffer’s Minnesota Medicaid DSH, Minnesota RAC, and Minnesota NEMT webpage for more information. The site is updated regularly with outreach and education for NEMT providers.
No action is required by NEMT providers. Providers selected for review will be contacted directly for documentation. Contact Myers and Stauffer at 844-987-0492 or email MN NEMT@MSLC.com if you have questions about this process. (pub. 6/3/20)
This is a reminder that beginning Jan. 1, 2020, authorizations for SNVs must indicate if a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN) will perform the visit. The Department of Human Services (DHS) is making this change to comply with federal coding rules.
What changed?
DHS updated MMIS to allow for the entry of authorizations using the updated codes.
Previously, MMIS had only one code, T1030, to authorize SNVs, regardless of the credentials of the nurse who performed the visit. Beginning Jan. 1, 2020, the existing code T1030 will indicate a visit from an RN, and the new code T1031 will indicate a visit from an LPN. If a person will receive visits from both RNs and LPNs, that person’s service agreement must have two separate line items in MMIS, one for each code.
Instructions
All new service agreements must use the updated codes.
DHS published instructions on updating service agreements for people receiving SNVs from an LPN with service agreements that continued into 2020. If the home health agency or lead agency (in the case of a waiver) took no action, the person’s service agreement must be updated for the home health agency to bill for SNVs from an LPN.
The process is different depending on whether the person receives state plan services or is on a Waiver or Alternative Care plan. Lead agencies and home health agencies should see CBSM – Changes in Authorization of SNVs for more details on the process for each circumstance.
Technical change request form
DHS updated the MA Home Care Technical Change Request (DHS-4074) (PDF) to simplify the technical change request process and allow home health agencies to request a change in the service agreement for SNVs. (pub. 5/28/20)
Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) has temporarily increased the reimbursement rates for the three telephone evaluation and management procedure codes, 99441, 99442 and 99443, retroactive to dates of service on or after Mar. 19, 2020. MHCP reprocessed paid claims back to that date on May 22, 2020, and the temporary rates will be in effect until the peacetime emergency is terminated or rescinded by proper authority. These codes are listed in the Coronavirus (COVID-19) section of the MHCP Provider Manual under covered services changes and modifications via telemedicine. Reprocessed claims will appear on your May 27, 2020, remittance advice. Updated rates can be found in the MHCP fee schedule. No further action is required by providers. (pub. 5/27/20)
Minnesota Health Care Programs is aware of incorrect payments for FQHC and RHC C&TC service claims for medical assistance programs. These claims are not paying at the encounter rate. We are working on the issue and we will reprocess all affected C&TC claims after the issue has been resolved. No further action is required by providers. We will communicate future updates on this webpage. (pub. 5/27/20)
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) will settle-up IEP services with IEP service providers for the 2018-19 school year after the June 30, 2020, claim submission deadline. You must submit a completed IEP Services Annual Data Report Form (DHS-5052) (PDF) to DHS no later than July 5, 2020.
For settle-up to occur, you must:
If you do not submit the required cost data for any of the IEP services that you provided during 2018-19 and for which you received payments, the final rate for that service will be $0.00.
You must submit total direct service hours and encounters for each of these covered IEP services:
ou must also report the total number of special transportation trips and the total number of Medical Assistance-eligible children who received special transportation during the 2018-19 fiscal year.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we recommend that school districts scan and email the required data to DHS no later than July 5, 2020, using the IEP Services Annual Data Report Form. DHS will not require a signature on the form, provided that the email comes from the Special Education Director or Administrator and includes a statement certifying the accuracy of the data being submitted on the form. The school district can still send the required form to DHS via U.S. Postal Service, however, note that mail will be picked up intermittently because DHS staff are working from home.
If you have questions about the required documentation, please call Jesusa Williams at 651-431-2538 or email jesusa.williams@state.mn.us. If you have questions about SEDRA, contact the Special Education Funding and Data Team of MDE at mde.spedfunding@state.mn.us. (pub. 5/27/20)
This is a reminder that Personal Care Provider Organizations (PCPO) agencies and Financial Management Services (FMS) agencies who wish to submit affiliation requests to Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP), or make other enrollment requests, can do so in one of the following two ways:
The following identifies the documents required to enroll for each provider type:
| Individual Provider type | Required Enrollment Forms |
| PCA | |
| CDCS | |
| CSG |
If you are faxing your forms, use the latest version of enrollment forms listed in the links provided to ensure the information you submit and the fax number is correct.
Enrollment materials sent to an alternative fax number will cause a delay in processing or a request to resubmit materials. Contact the MHCP Provider Call Center at 651-431-2700 with any questions. (pub. 5/26/20)
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) requests public comments on proposed policy changes for the Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) Waiver application before submitting it to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for approval. We are holding a 30-day public comment period from May 18, 2020, through June 17, 2020. See the DHS requests public comments on CADI Waiver application DSD eList announcement to review the changes, learn how to submit comments and see more information. (pub. 5/21/20)
The Minnesota Department of Human Services commissioner will allow remote support (real-time, two-way communication) as a service delivery option for several waiver services temporarily during the COVID-19 pandemic beginning Apr. 29, 2020. Remote support may be delivered through phone or other interactive technology mediums currently available to the person receiving services. See more information added to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) section of the MHCP Provider Manual. You may also refer to Bulletin 20-48-01 Temporary expansion of remote support for home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers (PDF) for more information on the remote support policy, including a list of services that may be provided remotely, types of technology applications that can be used, lead agency instructions for rates and authorization, and provider instructions to add services on 245D license and enrollment record. (pub. 5/20/20)
The Minnesota Department of Human Services commissioner authorizes licensed adult day service providers to provide services remotely or in person to one person at a time beginning Apr. 29, 2020.
Alternative adult day services include the following services:
See information about this added to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) section of the Minnesota Health Care Programs Provider Manual. You may also read Bulletin 20-25-01 Alternative adult day service delivery due to COVID-19 pandemic (PDF) for more information about the delivery method and delivery location of these services, revised licensing requirements and other changes. (pub. 5/20/20)
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) under Governor's Emergency Executive Order 20-12 has temporarily waived the policy requirement for a signed service plan when it is not possible to obtain a signature from the client or the client’s parent or legal representative. Verbal acknowledgement of the service plan via the telephone or through videoconference instead of a written signature is allowed temporarily until the emergency order has been lifted.
Effective Mar. 1, 2020, Child Welfare Targeted Case Management (CW-TCM) and Mental Health Targeted Case Management (MH-TCM) case managers may complete a service plan with the child and parent, legal guardian or legal representative; or the adult and legal representative via the telephone or through videoconference.
CW-TCM and MH-TCM service plan effective dates
The CW-TCM service plan effective date is the date the parent or legal guardian or legal representative acknowledges the CW-TCM service plan.
The MH-TCM service plan effective date is the date the MH-TCM clinical supervisor acknowledges the MH-TCM service plan. This clarification applies to fee for service and managed care.
Case manager responsibilities
The case manager must:
(pub. 5/19/20)
The commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) approved a waiver to state statute to allow psychiatric care providers on ACT and IRMHS teams to temporarily provide via telemedicine.
Previous telemedicine waivers allowed the temporary use of telemedicine by mental health professionals and practitioners who were not directly prohibited from telemedicine by state statute. This waiver specifically allows the temporary use of telemedicine by psychiatric care providers on ACT and IRMHS teams who were directly prohibited from telemedicine by state statute. This ensures that the more than 2,400 members served by these teams will keep their access to important psychiatric mental health services such as assessment, medication management and symptom and risk monitoring during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Psychiatric care providers must submit the Telephonic Telemedicine Provider Assurance Statement (DHS-6806A) (PDF) to temporarily provide services via telephone or tele-video. Your “Requested Service Effective Date” on the form can be on or after Mar. 19, 2020.
Follow the video and telephone telemedicine billing guidance in the Coronavirus (COVID-19) section of the Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) Provider Manual. Providing telemedicine remains in effect until the peacetime emergency is terminated or until it is rescinded by proper authority. Contact the MHCP Provider Call Center at 651-431-2700 or 800-366-5411 if you have questions about this message. (pub. 5/11/20)
The Minnesota Department of Human Services has modified EIDBI policy due to the COVID-19 pandemic. EIDBI providers can adjust how they provide services during the length of the peacetime emergency. See the EIDBI policy changes in response to the COVID-19 emergency Disability Services Division (DSD) eList announcements on the Latest information about COVID-19 from DSD webpage for information. For information about providing services via telemedicine, see the Coronavirus (COVID-19) section of the Minnesota Health Care Programs Provider Manual. (pub. 5/6/20)
The Minnesota Health Care Programs’ (MHCP) temporary expansion of coverage for telemedicine visits includes CCBHC services. The expansion of telemedicine coverage applies to CCBHCs that meet the requirements under Minnesota Statute 256B.0625 subdivision 3b, and the additional provider types and services listed on the recently approved Waivers and modifications webpage. Services provided via telemedicine according to all applicable requirements in the Coronavirus (COVID-19) section of the MHCP Provider Manual will satisfy the face-to-face requirement for services in the CCBHC scope of services table for the purpose of calculating the monthly wrap payment.
See the Coronavirus (COVID-19 section of the MHCP Provider Manual for more information on the temporary changes to telemedicine visits. See the Waivers and modifications webpage for more information about the telemedicine waivers.
We updated the Scope of Services for CCBHCs (PDF) table to include evaluation and management (E&M) telephonic billing codes made effective due to the COVID-19 emergency orders. E&M services listed on the CCBHC scope of services table provided according to all applicable requirements in the Physician Consultation, Evaluation and Management section of the MHCP Provider Manual and according to all applicable requirements in the Coronavirus (COVID-19) section of the MHCP Provider Manual are considered CCBHC encounters. (pub. 5/6/20)
On Mar. 18, 2020, Congress passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which gives states the option to make Medicaid available to certain uninsured people to pay for COVID-19 testing and the related office visit during the COVID-19 peacetime emergency.
The Minnesota Legislature authorized a new Medical Assistance (MA) coverage group for those who are uninsured to cover the testing and diagnosis of COVID-19. This change eliminates the financial barriers that might prevent someone who needs testing for COVID-19 from seeking care, increasing public health care risks.
The new coverage group is effective May 1, 2020, and ends when the COVID-19 peacetime emergency ends.
For this new MA coverage for COVID-19 testing group, only the testing and services related to diagnosis of COVID-19 are covered. This includes coverage for the COVID-19 test, serological tests and the office visit during which the test was given. Services for the treatment of COVID-19 are not included. There are no copays or deductibles for COVID-19 testing and the evaluation. A person can have more than one COVID-19 test covered while they are enrolled in this program.
Fee-for-service providers:
Information on eligibility status will be available in the Eligibility Verification System (EVS) within 10 days of submission of the application.
Bill DHS for the COVID-19 testing and evaluation through MN–ITS.
Uninsured individuals are always encouraged to complete the appropriate Minnesota Health Care Programs application. Completing an application for MA or MinnesotaCare is not a requirement to qualify for MA coverage for COVID-19 testing.
Refer to the COVID-19 section of the MHCP Provider Manual for more information about temporary modifications due to COVID-19. (pub. 5/1/20)
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) reminds providers of the following information about C&TC visits during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For children age 24 months or younger
DHS and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommend to continue in-person C&TC visits for children 24 months or younger to receive necessary immunizations and other screenings. To reduce the risk of spreading disease, see the Apr. 1, 2020, Provider news and updates message "Child and Teen Checkups (C&TC) well child visit prioritization guidance during COVID-19 pandemic."
If a practice is unable to provide a C&TC visit to a child aged 24 months or younger (for example, a caregiver in the home is positive for COVID-19 or does not feel comfortable coming into the office), providers may complete components of the visit via telemedicine (for example, history, anticipatory guidance, vaccine counseling and developmental screening) based on their clinical judgment. Report only the codes of the services provided, and payment will reflect only those completed components per the Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) Fee Schedule. See the Covered Services Changes and Eligible Providers sections of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) section of the MHCP Provider Manual and the "Telemedicine information and documentation" section of this message for information about enrollment and providing via telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For children older than 24 months
Providers may perform condensed C&TC visits using telemedicine. Providers will need to use their clinical judgment as to which components of the C&TC service are appropriate to be performed during the telemedicine visit, and payment will reflect only those completed components per the MHCP Fee Schedule.
Telemedicine information and documentation
MHCP will include delivery of services through telephone connection between the patient and provider as part of telemedicine services effective Mar. 19, 2020. Providing telemedicine via phone for COVID-19 remains in effect until the peacetime emergency is terminated or until it is rescinded by proper authority. See the Covered Services Changes and Eligible Providers sections of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) section of the MHCP Provider Manual for information about enrolling and providing via telemedicine.
Policies on telemedicine services are in the Physician and Professional Services section of the MHCP Provider Manual.
MHCP will cover medically necessary services and consultation by an MHCP provider through telephonic telemedicine in the same manner as if the service or consultation was delivered in person on an interim basis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Refer to the Telemedicine/Telephonic Telemedicine Providers provider list in MN–ITS to see if you’ve been approve to provide telemedicine or telephonic services. You must use the Chrome browser to view the list.
If you are providing condensed and modified C&TC services and not all the components of a visit, leave off the S0302 code and HIPAA-compliant referral condition codes. All provisions discussed here are time limited. Consult the Coronavirus (COVID-19) section of the MHCP Provider Manual regularly for the most up-to-date information.
Follow-up after the COVID-19 pandemic
Any member who receives a preventive medicine visit via telemedicine should have a complete in-person C&TC visit as soon as possible after the COVID-19 peacetime emergency has formally ended. Consideration of completion of further face-to-face visit components, follow-up care or the timeline of the next complete age-related face-to-face C&TC visit is at the provider’s discretion. See the Child and Teen Checkups (C&TC) section of the MHCP Provider Manual for more information.
Email DHS at dhs.childteencheckups@state.mn.us if you have questions about this message. (pub. 4/24/20)
Federally approved policy modifications to targeted case management (TCM) services temporarily allow telephone and video-conferencing in place of in-person face-to-face contact during the COVID-19 pandemic.
See the Coronavirus (COVID-19) section of the Minnesota Health Care Programs Provider Manual for information about providing targeted case management services during this pandemic.
The change is effective for TCM services provided in the month of March, 2020, and allows case managers to conduct targeted case management visits by phone or video with adults receiving services or their legal guardians, and with children receiving services and their parents or legal guardians. The change runs through the end of the public health emergency.
Tribal provider requirements
This change means that Indian Health Service (IHS), Sec. 638 Tribal providers, may receive the daily encounter payment when the contact between the case manager and the person receiving services happens by telephone instead through an in-person face-to-face visit. Although the mode of how a service may be delivered is temporarily changing (for example, targeted case management services can be delivered via telephone temporarily), there are no changes to the payment methodology for the daily encounter payment. The same services and types of providers that are required to generate a daily encounter payment continue to be required when targeted case management services are delivered during the COVID-19 emergency period.
The affected services include:
Bulletin 20-69-02 Targeted case management changes for face-to-face contact requirements includes temporary instructions for these programs. (pub. 4/22/20)
Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has expanded access to telemedicine to ensure the 1.1 million Minnesotans covered by Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare do not lose access to care and services, including mental health and substance use disorder coverage, during the pandemic.
DHS has received federal approval to temporarily ease certain limits in existing law for receiving needed care and services through telephone and video visits that can instead be provided safely and effectively without an in-person face-to-face visit by:
All telemedicine changes are effective Mar. 19, 2020.
DHS received Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services approval for temporarily expanding the providers that may deliver services using telemedicine, including many mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment providers. This approval also applies to equivalent tribal providers. See the Temporary coverage of telemedicine visits for Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health providers webpage for information about telemedicine for mental health and SUD.
DHS also received temporary approval to allow a telemedicine service to satisfy the face-to-face requirement under the encounter payment methods for Indian Health Service, Tribal 638 clinic, Federally Qualified Health Center, and Rural Health Clinic services. If a service would have received an encounter payment if performed in person, the same service will receive an encounter payment if performed via telemedicine, including telephone and televideo as long as all of the applicable telemedicine requirements are met.
See the waivers and modifications webpage or the Coronavirus (COVID-19) section of the MHCP Provider Manual for more information about requirements that have been waived or modified so together we can continue to provide essential programs and services to Minnesotans safely and without undue delay during the COVID-19 pandemic. (pub. 4/21/20)
The DHS commissioner waived the need for providers to get signatures when delivering DME and supplies to Medical Assistance (MA) and MinnesotaCare members effective Apr. 17, 2020. Providers are required to maintain documentation that they successfully delivered equipment or supplies to members.
Also, effective Apr. 17, 2020, NEMT providers are not required to obtain a signature from MA and MinnesotaCare members to certify that the transport occurred. All other documentation requirements continue to apply and providers are required to ensure appropriate documentation that substantiates that the transport occurred.
This change supports the need for social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The waiver expires at the end of the COVID-19 peacetime emergency. (pub. 4/21/20)
Rule 25 will be extended for up to two years to allow members to choose between a comprehensive assessment and the Rule 25 process.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ (DHS) renewal waiver application for the Consolidated Chemical Dependency Treatment Fund (CCDTF) program, Apr. 14, 2020. This authority allows county and tribal workers to authorize treatment through the Rule 25 assessment process. The effective dates of this waiver are July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2022.
All treatment services are still required to have an approved service agreement and a completed DAANES admission to secure reimbursement, regardless of the method of client assessment for authorizing treatment services, until notified by DHS Behavioral Health Division. Individuals needing substance use disorder treatment can enter treatment following completion of either the Rule 25 process or a comprehensive assessment after system programming and system testing are completed, and DHS issues notification.
Managed care organizations may use either Rule 25 or comprehensive assessments to make level of care determinations until June 30, 2022.
Withdrawal management facilities licensed under Minnesota Statute 245F do not require authorization through a Rule 25 assessment and this message does not apply to them.
Participating 1115 waiver project providers will be required to assure admitted clients meet the project's admission criteria and all applicable rules and statutory requirements.
Contact Dominique Jones at Dominique.jones@state.mn.us for more information. (pub. 4/21/20)
Housing Stabilization Services is a new Minnesota Medical Assistance benefit to help seniors and people with disabilities find and keep housing. Providers may enroll now. Services begin mid-July 2020. Providers who want to learn more about the service or enrolling to deliver this service can find information in the Housing Stabilization Services section of the Minnesota Health Care Programs Provider Manual and on the Housing and homelessness: Policies and procedures webpage. Call the MHCP Provider Call Center at 651-431-2700 or 800-366-5411 for more information. (pub. 4/21/20, rev. 6/4/20)
Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) will post a list of providers approved for telemedicine services and telephonic telemedicine services for COVID-19 expanded services on Apr. 20, 2020. The list, named Telemedicine/Telephonic Telemedicine Provider List, can be accessed by logging in to your MN–ITS account and finding it within the Provider Lists link. The list will be updated each week on Monday and will include all providers approved for telemedicine delivery before the COVID-19 pandemic and those approved to provide services telephonically since the pandemic. You must use a Chrome or Firefox browser and will need the Excel XLSX version to access this list and other provider lists.
Please refer to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) section of the MHCP Provider Manual for more information about telemedicine and telephonic telemedicine services, including billing. (pub. 4/17/20, rev. 4/28/20)
MRRP participants’ COVID-19 related medications will be paid through an acute discharge pharmacy. To assure payment, contact the managed care organization (MCO) of record for the Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) member. If the person is a fee-for-service (FFS) member, contact the MRRP at 651-431-2648 or 800-657-3674 after dispensing medications and give the following information:
When MRRP staff receive a request, they will open the acute discharge pharmacy to allow for claim submission and will call and work with pharmacy staff to ensure reimbursement on active FFS medical assistance patients during this pandemic. (pub. 4/17/20)
The Minnesota Department of Revenue will grant a 60-day payment grace period for MinnesotaCare monthly and quarterly estimated payments due Apr. 15, 2020. These payments are now due June 15, 2020. See the MinnesotaCare Payment Grace Period announcement from the Department of Revenue for more information. (pub. 4/13/20)
On Mar. 20, 2020, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued Executive Orders 20-11 and 20-12, granting the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) emergency temporary authority to change administrative and regulatory requirements for state programs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
These executive orders aim to ensure access to services and protect the health of over 1 million Minnesotans, including older adults, individuals with disabilities, young families with children and individuals with mental illness—groups likely to be significantly impacted by COVID-19.
Effective Mar. 19, 2020, DHS has removed any cost-sharing for the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 for all Medical Assistance (Medicaid) and MinnesotaCare members. This applies to members in both fee for service and managed care.
This action is taken to help address financial concerns that might prevent someone who needs testing or treatment for COVID-19 from seeking appropriate care that would result in an increased risk to public health. The federal government will pay 100 percent of the costs of COVID-19 testing, treatment and the corresponding office visit for Medical Assistance and Minnesota Care.
This executive order and consequent waiver on cost-sharing for COVID-19 remains in effect until the peacetime emergency is terminated or until it is rescinded by proper authority. (pub. 4/10/20)
Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is offering expedited, emergency payments to Minnesota Health Care Programs enrolled nursing facilities providers located in Minnesota for costs directly related to COVID-19 incurred on or after Mar. 13, 2020, per Minnesota Statute 12A.10. That statute allows providers who incur additional costs resulting from disasters to apply for expedited reimbursement.
On Mar. 31, 2020, the Nursing Facility Rates and Policy Division conducted a webinar and PowerPoint presentation which provided instructions for submitting the reimbursement application. That webinar was recorded and is available for those who were unable to participate in the live session. Providers who did not receive the reimbursement application and instruction forms, or who would like a copy of the PowerPoint, can email the Long-Term Care Policy Center at dhs.ltcpolicycenter@state.mn.us.
A frequently asked questions list is being developed and should be posted on the Nursing Facility Provider Portal webpage by the end of April.
Visit the Waivers and modifications webpage and scroll to “Changes under existing authority to respond to COVID-19,” and select No. 3: Expediting payments to nursing homes (CV01) for information on actions taken by the commissioner. (pub. 4/9/20)
WPC is experiencing issues with their website and is working to resolve them. WPC instructs providers to use https://nex12.org/index.php/codes for contact information and access to the X12 codes for the WPC until the WPC webpage is available. We will update this webpage when the WPC issues have been resolved. (pub. 4/3/20)
We have posted a new Coronavirus (COVID-19) manual section of the MHCP Provider Manual. It will include a list of temporary modifications to policies and procedures that have been made to Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare programs. Unless listed in this manual section, all other program requirements continue to apply. Please refer to this manual section for the most up-to-date information. (pub. 4/2/20)
In response to Gov. Tim Walz’ COVID-19 pandemic Emergency Executive Order 20-12, the Department of Human Services (DHS) has received federal approval to temporarily cover up to a 90-day supply of many noncontrolled prescription maintenance medications.
Under current state law, prescriptions for medications are limited to a 34-day supply (Minnesota Statute, 256B.0625, subdivision 13). Effective April 2, 2020, the DHS commissioner increased the prescription drug coverage limit for certain therapeutic drug classes to a 90-day supply for all fee-for-service Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare members.
DHS is not mandating that a 90-day supply of these medications be dispensed. Prescribers and pharmacists are expected to continue to use their professional and clinical judgment as to the appropriate quantity to dispense to members.
Claims for medications affected by this change do not require an override from the Provider Call Center. Contact the Provider Call Center to determine if overrides are available for medications not included in this initiative if the member has another insurance that has covered a 90-day supply of the medication. This extension in the prescription drug coverage limit applies to the fee-for-service pharmacy benefit. The managed care organizations (MCOs) may implement a 90-day supply program and you can obtain details of those programs from the MCOs.
This executive order and consequent 90-day supply prescription limit extension for COVID-19 remains in effect until the peacetime emergency is terminated or until it is rescinded by proper authority. (pub. 4/2/20)
Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) is postponing provider revalidation efforts effective Apr. 1, 2020, in accordance with Executive Order 20-12. MHCP will not be sending revalidation notices to providers who are due to revalidate their enrollment to ensure providers remain enrolled and able to provide necessary services to members during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will update the MHCP provider news and updates webpage when the revalidation process resumes. (pub. 4/1/20)
The benefit of attending a C&TC well visit and receiving necessary immunizations and screenings should be balanced with the risk of exposure to other children and adults with potential contagious diseases. Many providers are reviewing their daily workflows and practices in consideration of their patient population, safe practice capacity, clinic environment as well as guidance from the Minnesota Governor’s executive orders. The current American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations for providing well visits and immunizations during the COVID-19 Pandemic as of Mar. 19, 2020 are:
See the AAP’s COVID-19 Clinical Guidance Q&A webpage for more information about the AAP’s recommendations. The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recognize that you may prioritize C&TC visits in your practice. The AAP’s recommendations are not intended to replace or supersede institutional policies in place for clinics or health care systems.
See the AAP COVID-19 Clinical Guidance Q&A webpage as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Resources for Clinics and Healthcare Facilities webpage to view options to help decrease the spread of COVID-19 with regard to well visits including the consideration of modifications to the structure of the clinic schedule and physical space.
For information specific to managing patients during the COVID-19 outbreak, see the following:
Email the C&TC programs at DHS at dhs.childteencheckups@state.mn.us or MDH at health.childteencheckups@state.mn.us if you have questions or need more information about prioritizing well child visits.
This is a collaborative communication from the Child and Teen Checkups teams at DHS and MDH. (pub. 4/1/20)
Executive orders signed by Gov. Tim Walz grant the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) temporary authority to waive or modify administrative and regulatory requirements so that DHS and its partners can continue to provide essential programs and services to Minnesotans safely and without excessive delay during the COVID-19 pandemic.
See the Waivers and modifications webpage for information about waivers and modifications in effect, including those pending federal approval and changes made by the DHS commissioner under existing authority. (pub. 3/27/2020)
Gov. Tim Walz issued Executive Order 20-12 Mar. 20, 2020, and DHS Commissioner Jodi Harpstead has suspended or modified certain licensing requirements and activities until May 1, 2020, to allow greater flexibility to comply with recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These modifications ensure the best interests of your clients and communities are met.
Read the COVID-19 update regarding Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) licensing message to find out more about DHS suspending or modifying most licensing enforcement activity. (pub 3/24/20)
CMS has developed an additional code for coronavirus lab tests effective Apr. 1, 2020. See the CMS Develops Additional Code for Coronavirus Lab Tests CMS newsroom webpage for code information. Beginning Apr. 1, 2020, providers may submit claims for tests performed on or after Feb. 4, 2020.
The American Medical Association (AMA) also approved a unique CPT code effective Mar. 13, 2020. See the AMA’s New CPT Code Announced to Report Novel Coronavirus Test press release. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued coding guidelines for COVID-19. See the CDC’s ICD-10-CM Official Coding Guidelines - Supplement (PDF) for more information.
We follow CMS and CDC guidelines and we are working on updating our system to be ready for claims submitted beginning Apr. 1, 2020. Continue to monitor this webpage for updates.
Additional COVID-19 resources
(pub.3/18/20)
Calendar year (CY) 2019 claims with procedure code G0463 modified with PO (Services, procedures and/or surgeries provided at off-campus provider-based outpatient departments) that applied a site-neutral reduction were reprocessed to allow 100 percent of the Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC) allowable. The CY 2019 reprocessed claims were reported on your Mar. 17, 2020, remittance advice. See the CMS-1717-FC Fact Sheet for more information.
Minnesota Health Care Programs has reprocessed the CY 2020 claims applying site-neutral reduction. You will see reprocessed claims on your May 12, 2020, remittance advice. CY 2020 claims will apply a site-neutral reduction of 40 percent of the APC allowable. Refer to CMS MLN Matters MM11605 for more information. (pub. 3/10/20, rev. 4/29/20)
Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) offers free training for MHCP enrolled providers.
We have compiled a list of non-Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) learning sessions on using telecommunications technology as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic and evolving concerns with service providers in the field of mental health and substance use disorder. For learning sessions information, schedule and topics, see the following:
Telehealth Learning Series for SUD Tx and Recovery Support Providers – The Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) Network, the Center for Excellence on Protected Health Information (CoE-PHI), the National Consortium of Telehealth Resource Centers, and the Center for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies (CASAT) at the University of Nevada – Reno facilitate this training. Visit the Telehealth Learning Series for SUD Tx and Recovery Support Providers webpage for more information.
TLC Tuesdays (5 sessions) – Mid-America Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) offers online training.
Complete recordings from each session will be available on the Telehealth Learning & Consultation Tuesdays webpage.
The DHS Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) webpage provides counties, tribes, providers and members of the public with information specific to responding to COVID-19 as it relates to DHS programs. You can also sign up to receive email updates on that page. Check the webpage often as it will be updated as additional waivers are approved. (pub. 4/3/20)
Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) offers free online training for MHCP enrolled providers. Go to the MHCP enrolled provider training webpage to see the list of available training.
We have added new training sessions for the following service providers:
Minnesota Health Care Programs is providing free online training for our MPSE online portal.
See the MPSE portal training webpage for registration, brief online tutorials to help prepare you for class and more information. (pub. 2/5/20)
Visit the following for more information:
If you have questions about this information, call the MHCP Provider Call Center at 651-431-2700 or 800-366-5411.
Sign up to receive provider news and other MHCP notices through our free provider email lists.
