Three Updates to the NHTD/TBI Waiver Programs

Rate Increases

LeadingAge NY previously reported in December 2014 that the Department of Health (DOH) had proposed retroactive rates increases for seven waiver services for the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) waiver for period of Nov. 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015. We are pleased to report that we have received confirmation they have been approved and were put into the eMedNY system yesterday, April 20.

We have also learned rate increases for both waivers, TBI and the Nursing Home Transition and Diversion (NHTD), effective April 2015, are still at Divison of Budget (DOB). When they have been approved for this time period, they too will be loaded into the eMedNY system. However, without the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approval, the rate increase would be only for a six month time period, or until October 2015. This increase would equate to the State's share of the rate increase. Without CMS approval the rates, it would then revert to the previous NTHD/TBI rates of November 2014.

Please look for your eMedNY alerts.

Rescinding the 2% ATB cut

Earlier this month, eMedNY posted an alert to NHTD/TBI waiver service providers on rescinding the 2% Across the Board (ATB) cut due to savings found in other areas. If you have questions about this alert please contact Lydia Kosinski, of the Bureau of HCBS Waivers at 518-474-5271.

NHTD Quality Assurance Reviews and Vehicle Modification Policy Clarification

Another eMedNY alert was posted for NHTD on quality assurance reviews and a clarification on the vehicle modification policy. In this alert it outlines how the NHTD waiver staff will be conducting the reviews over the next couple of months. If there are discrepancies in any finding you will notified by NHTD waiver staff.

The second part of the alert clarifies the NHTD vehicle modification policy. Please note the second paragraph, which clarifies the cost of the pre and post evaluation, is considered separate form the vehicle modification and project management fee. Again any questions should be forwarded to Lydia Kosinski, of the Bureau of HCBS Waivers at 518-474-5271.

Contact: Cheryl Udell, cudell@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8383