2013 LTHHCP rates

DOH posts initial 2013 LTHHCP rates

DOH posted a Dear Administrator Letter (DAL) in the Health Commerce System (HCS) detailing the Long Term Home Health Care Program (LTHHCP) 2013 initial rates. Please log into your HCS account to see your initial 2013 Medicaid rate computation sheet for the period beginning Jan. 1, 2013. The DAL states that the initial rates are all-inclusive and based on the lower of 2011 allowable costs (held to regional ceilings) projected to the 2013 rate period as reported in your 2011 cost report, and it also outlines the appeal process.

Some of the additional LTHHCP issues outlined include:

- A zero percent trend factor as per the 2012-13 budget;

- Statewide average cap on administrative and general costs of 23.41 percent;

- A worker recruitment and retention adjustment of an increase of three percent for those providers who submitted their attestations; and

- An additional 4.7 percent rate add-on for the recruitment, training and retention adjustment proportionally adjusted based on total annual hours of service to Medicaid patients.

The hotline appeals process will be in effect until Feb. 15, 2013. According to the DAL, providers may phone the Bureau of the Long Term Care Reimbursement (BLTCR) with inquiries as to the accuracy of the rates.  However, to effect a change in your rate through the accelerated administrative process, you must submit your written appeal to the Bureau, postmarked no later than Feb. 15, 2013.

Contact: Cheryl Udell, cudell@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8871