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COVID-19 Flexibility Continuations Until 4/20/2021

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Memo
Effective Date:

To:
All Medicaid Providers and Managed Care Organizations Participating in the Virginia Medical Assistance Program
From:
Karen Kimsey, Director Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS)

This memo sets out interim guidance from the Department of Medical Assistance Services

(DMAS) to extend federal and state authorities that allow regulatory flexibilities to providers during the public health emergency presented by the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus).  This memo is an update on certain flexibilities and as more information is received on the federal and state public health emergencies, DMAS will provide additional updates through future memos.

Providers are encouraged to frequently access the DMAS website to check the central COVID-19 response page for both frequently asked questions (FAQs) and guidance regarding these flexibilities, as well as ongoing flexibilities for behavioral health and addiction recovery treatment services, at http://www.dmas.virginia.gov/#/emergencywaiver. For additional questions about this memo or other COVID-19 related issues, the agency has created a centralized point of access for submission at http://dmas.virginia.gov/contactforms/#/general.

Questions may also be submitted to COVID-19@dmas.virginia.gov.

Background on Federal and State Authorities

Certain flexibilities are permitted to be in effect only during the federal public health emergency.

On January 7 2021, the federal public health emergency was extended for 90 days to April 20, 2021. At the state level, Virginia Executive Orders (EO) 51 and 58 provide corresponding policy flexibilities associated with the state public health emergency declaration. The Virginia Executive Orders currently do not have an expiration date.

Most flexibilities depend on both state and federal authorities. DMAS is required to unwind the flexibilities obtained when either the federal or the state emergency declarations expire. Only flexibilities extended by the federal public health emergency are contained in the October 22, 2020  memo. Normal DMAS policies and procedures are in effect for any flexibilities not discussed in the October 22, 2020 memo.

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PROVIDER CONTACT INFORMATION & RESOURCES

Virginia Medicaid Web Portal Automated Response System (ARS)

Member eligibility, claims status, payment status, service limits, service authorization status, and remittance advice.

www.virginiamedicaid.dmas.virginia.gov

Medicall (Audio Response System)

Member eligibility, claims status, payment status, service limits, service authorization status, and remittance advice.

1-800-884-9730 or 1-800-772-9996

KEPRO

Service authorization information for fee-for-service members.

 

 

https://dmas.kepro.com/

 

Managed Care Programs

Medallion 4.0, Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus (CCC Plus), and Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).  In order to be reimbursed for services provided to a managed care enrolled individual, providers must follow their respective contract with the managed care plan/PACE provider.  The managed care plan may utilize different guidelines than those described for Medicaid fee-for-service individuals.

Medallion 4.0

http://www.dmas.virginia.gov/#/med4

CCC Plus

http://www.dmas.virginia.gov/#/cccplus

PACE

http://www.dmas.virginia.gov/#/longtermprograms

Magellan Behavioral Health

Behavioral Health Services Administrator, check eligibility, claim status, service limits, and service authorizations for fee-for-service members.

www.MagellanHealth.com/Provider

For credentialing and behavioral health service information, visit:

www.magellanofvirginia.com, email: VAProviderQuestions@MagellanHealth.com,or

Call: 1-800-424-4046

Provider HELPLINE

Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.  For provider use only, have Medicaid Provider ID Number available.

1-804-786-6273

1-800-552-8627

Aetna Better Health of Virginia

www.aetnabetterhealth.com/Virginia

 1-800-279-1878

Anthem HealthKeepers Plus

www.anthem.com/vamedicaid

1-800-901-0020

Magellan Complete Care of Virginia

www.MCCofVA.com

 1-800-424-4518 (TTY 711) or 1-800-643-2273

Optima Family Care

1-800-881-2166

United Healthcare

www.Uhccommunityplan.com/VA

and www.myuhc.com/communityplan

1-844-752-9434, TTY 711

Virginia Premier

1-800-727-7536 (TTY: 711),

 

SUBJECT:      COVID-19 Flexibility Continuations Until 4/20/2021

                              

 

This memo sets out interim guidance from the Department of Medical Assistance Services

(DMAS) to extend federal and state authorities that allow regulatory flexibilities to providers during the public health emergency presented by the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus).  This memo is an update on certain flexibilities and as more information is received on the federal and state public health emergencies, DMAS will provide additional updates through future memos.

 

Providers are encouraged to frequently access the DMAS website to check the central COVID-19 response page for both frequently asked questions (FAQs) and guidance regarding these flexibilities, as well as ongoing flexibilities for behavioral health and addiction recovery treatment services, at http://www.dmas.virginia.gov/#/emergencywaiver. For additional questions about this memo or other COVID-19 related issues, the agency has created a centralized point of access for submission at http://dmas.virginia.gov/contactforms/#/general.

 

Questions may also be submitted to COVID-19@dmas.virginia.gov.

 

Background on Federal and State Authorities

Certain flexibilities are permitted to be in effect only during the federal public health emergency.

On January 7 2021, the federal public health emergency was extended for 90 days to April 20, 2021. At the state level, Virginia Executive Orders (EO) 51 and 58 provide corresponding policy flexibilities associated with the state public health emergency declaration. The Virginia Executive Orders currently do not have an expiration date.

 

Most flexibilities depend on both state and federal authorities. DMAS is required to unwind the flexibilities obtained when either the federal or the state emergency declarations expire. Only flexibilities extended by the federal public health emergency are contained in the October 22, 2020  memo. Normal DMAS policies and procedures are in effect for any flexibilities not discussed in the October 22, 2020 memo.