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Updates and Announcements
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Benchmarks WILL be holding our Friday Membership Webinar this week! Whoo hoo!
We hope you will join us for our Friday Membership Webinar this week on Friday, June 19, 2020 at 8:30 am covering the latest happenings in our state.
Date: Friday, June 19, 2020
Time: 8:30 am
Meeting ID: 626 815 379
Password: 081879
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,626815379# US (Chicago)
+19292056099,,626815379# US (New York)
Note: We will NOT be holding our Thursday, 8:00 am, Child Welfare Webinar this week.
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Secretary Mandy Cohen's Presentation to the House Health Committee Meeting Today
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Please find below the latest NC COVID-19 response updates.
- NCDHHS Reports Highest Day of New Cases Since Pandemic Began
- NCDHHS Announces $26 Million to Help Mitigate the Economic Disruption of COVID-19
- NCDHHS Updates Guidance for Child Care Settings
- NCDHHS Targets Additional Testing and Tracing Resources to 9 Counties
- Governor Cooper Proclaims Healthcare Heroes Day 2020
NCDHHS Reports Highest Day of New Cases Since Pandemic Began
Friday, June 12 was North Carolina's highest day of new cases (1,768) since the pandemic started. COVID-19 remains a serious threat to our state and the trends are concerning. We have the tools to respond to this crisis and slow the spread of the virus - but we all have to work together to make this happen. Practice the 3 Ws - wear a cloth face covering, wait six feet apart and wash your hands frequently.
NCDHHS Announces $26 Million to Help Mitigate the Economic Disruption of COVID-19
NC Community Action Agencies (CAAs) have begun to receive flexible funds that can be used to help low-income individuals and families meet a variety of needs caused by the economic disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds are part of the federal Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) and can, among other allowable uses, help eligible residents facing eviction with unmet rent and utility expenses.
To be eligible for CSBG-funded services, individuals and families must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. To apply for help, contact your local Community Action Agency. For additional information on the CSBG funding or contact information for the 33 Community Action Agencies in North Carolina, visit ncdhhs.gov/csbg-contacts
NCDHHS Updates Guidance for Child Care Settings
The updated guidance is intended to help licensed/regulated child care facilities make informed decisions about COVID19 and minimize the risk of exposure to both the staff and the children in their care. Health and safety guidance for child care facilities during COVID-19 is outlined in this document, which is also available in Spanish.
NCDHHS Targets Additional Testing and Tracing Resources to 9 Counties
We are responding to COVID-19 on multiple fronts. Statewide we continue to build our testing and contact tracing infrastructure. At the same time we are surging additional testing and tracing resources to targeted communities and populations that have been hardest hit by COVID-19. Our first round of partnerships is with a mix of several of our urban population centers as well as our rural communities, including Mecklenburg, Durham, Wake, Forsyth, Duplin, Lee, Johnston, and Alamance counties.
Governor Cooper Proclaims Healthcare Heroes Day 2020
To recognize the daily heroic sacrifices made by healthcare professionals, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Cooper proclaimed June 15, 2020 Healthcare Heroes Day. In honor of our frontline heroes a special flag will be raised in front of the North Carolina State Capitol and will fly until July 15.
"I am so grateful to our healthcare heroes who are sacrificing so much to keep our communities healthy and save lives," said Governor Cooper. "As this pandemic continues to grip our country, I am thankful for these North Carolinians who have answered the call to help others in need, and we can support them by doing our part in fighting this pandemic." Read the full Proclamation online.
Expansion of AVAILABLE Resource: NC PAL
NC DMH/DD/SAS and NC Medicaid is excited to inform you of the expanded capacity of NC PAL (Psychiatric Access Line) available to pediatric health providers in your perspective catchment area. We are requesting that you share this information (attached) with any pediatric health providers in your area. This resource can also be passed to parents of minors to share with their pediatric health care providers. Please note that several counties may not have a pediatrician; however, a family care practice or practitioner that serves children are able to access this resource as well.
With NC PAL's expanded capacity, especially during this unprecedented time, we want to promote the utilization of such services as these services support with Emergency Department diversions, as well as linkages to community resources. As you share this information with your Care Coordination teams and catchment areas, please emphasize that this line is to provide consultation to medical providers and not direct consultation to patients. The following is an excerpt from the attached document:
NOTE: NC-PAL consultations do not establish a physician/patient relationship with an individual patient. Providers who contact NC-PAL are responsible for providing direct care to their patients.
Assistance available to LME-MCOS: In addition to consultation to pediatric primary care practices, NC PAL can assist LME-MCOs with children and adolescents in Emergency Departments. The NC PAL child and adolescent psychiatrists are available for consultation to the ED physicians and/or the LME-MCO Care Coordinators.
(919) 681-2909
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NC Medicaid COVID-19 Bulletins #99 and #100 Available
The NC Division of Health Benefits (DHB) has recently published two more Medicaid Bulletin articles related to COVID-19:
SPECIAL BULLETIN COVID-19 #99: North Carolina General Assembly Mandates Temporary 5% Rate Increase for Certain Medicaid Providers
NC Medicaid is implementing a 5% rate increase for all Fee-For-Service (FFS) Medicaid providers who had not yet received a 5% increase during the COVID-19 public health emergency. More Information.
SPECIAL BULLETIN COVID-19 #100: Hospice Provider COVID-19 Rate Structure Clarifications
NC Medicaid has implemented COVID-19 rate increase functionality to reimburse hospice care provided in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) designated as a "SNF COVID-Outbreak site" or "SNF COVID-Response site". More Information.
Three New Medicaid Bulletins Available as of June 16, 2020
The NC Division of Health Benefits (DHB) has recently published three new Medicaid Bulletin articles dated June 16, 2020. All articles may be found on the DHB website.
- Sacituzumab Govitecan-hziy for Injection, for Intravenous Use (Trodelvy™) HCPCS Code J9999: Billing Guidelines
- Meloxicam Injection, for Intravenous Use (Anjeso™) HCPCS Code J3490: Billing Guidelines
- Emapalumab-lzsg Injection, for Intravenous Use (Gamifant™) HCPCS code J9210: Billing Guidelines
Provider Survey Deadline Extension Ends This Monday
The NCTracks Annual Provider Survey for 2020 was originally scheduled to close June 15, however, the deadline was extended to allow those who have not yet taken it to do so. The deadline to take the survey is this Monday, June 22, 2020.
Thank you to those who have already taken the survey and we encourage those who have not yet taken it to do so now - it is newly designed to take less than 10 minutes to complete.
The survey focuses on the aspects of NCTracks that involve direct customer interaction, such as the Call Center, Provider Relations, Training and Communications, as well as Functional Areas, such as Pharmacy Prior Approval and Provider Enrollment. Unless otherwise noted, the time period for which this survey applies is from July 1, 2019 to present. The survey is anonymous unless you choose to identify yourself and is authorized by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
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Liability Insurance Concerns? Join this Webinar to learn about an alternative solution to traditional insurance policies
Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. EST, Mark Renske at Hylant Global Captive Solutions will be talking with providers, like you, across the U.S. about the increased cost of liability insurance and will share a possible solution to navigate the rocky waters. If your agency is struggling with keeping up with the increased cost of liability insurance, you might want to join this webinar.
During the presentation they will share the need for a group captive solution due to market and industry conditions. Further, they will delve into the mechanisms of how group captives look and how they operate. Lastly, they will begin the process of talking next steps (eg: how do we begin the phase-1 studies, who would be included, how much do these studies cost, time frames, etc.). The target audience to participate on the webinar is Executive Directors, Chief Financial Officers, Risk Managers, Controllers, and Chief Operational Officers.
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e-News for Small Business Issue 10
Balance Due Notice mailings: Due dates extended to help taxpayers
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the IRS was unable to mail some previously printed balance due notices as a result of office closures. As IRS operations continue to reopen, these notices will be delivered to taxpayers in the next few weeks.
Some of the notices may reflect due dates that have already passed. The IRS assures taxpayers the due dates have been extended to July 10 or July 15, 2020, depending on the type of tax payment and original due date. The correct due date will appear on an additional insert mailed with each notice. Taxpayers who have questions can call the number provided on their notice.
Timely reminder: Schedule and electronically pay federal taxes due by July 15
This IRS Fact Sheet outlines all you need to know about filing and paying federal taxes due July 15. Find information on scheduling or rescheduling a payment, electronic payment options, estimated tax payments, and requesting an extension. For more information about paying taxes due July 15, see the frequently asked questions available on IRS.gov.
Flowchart helps employers understand new tax credits
The IRS recently issued Publication 5419, New Employer Tax Credits (PDF) to help employers understand that tax credits available to them due to the coronavirus pandemic. The one-page document breaks down the details of the Employer Retention Credit and the credits for paid sick and family leave in easy-to-follow charts. Using the document, employers can quickly determine whether they are eligible for the credits, the amount of the credits and which wages apply to the credits.
Regulations to help businesses claim credits for carbon capture
The Treasury Department and the IRS recently issued proposed regulations (PDF) to help businesses understand how legislation passed in 2018 may benefit those claiming carbon capture credits. The proposed regulations provide guidance regarding two new credits for carbon oxide captured using equipment originally placed in service on or after Feb. 9, 2018, allowing up to:
- $50 per metric ton of qualified carbon oxide for permanent sequestration, and up to
- $35 for Enhanced Oil Recovery purposes.
Form 1040-X electronic filing options coming this summer
Making the 1040-X an electronically filed form has been a goal of the IRS for a number of years. It's also been an ongoing request from the nation's tax professional community and has been a continuing recommendation from the Internal Revue Service Advisory Council (IRSAC) and Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee (ETAAC).
IRS warns against COVID-19 fraud; other financial schemes
In a news release last week, the IRS cautioned that criminals are continuing to use the COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments as cover for schemes to steal personal information and money. The IRS Criminal Investigation unit has already seen scams related to the organized selling of fake at-home test kits, offers to sell fake cures, vaccines, pills and advice on unproven treatments for COVID-19. Other scams purport to sell large quantities of medical supplies through the creation of fake shops, websites, social media accounts and email addresses where the criminal fails to deliver promised supplies after receiving funds.
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CMS Reminds Nursing Facilities that Law and Regulation Prohibit Seizure of Residents' COVID Stimulus Payments
On June 11, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a press release noting its awareness of allegations that nursing homes are seizing residents' CARES Act economic impact payments. CMS reminds nursing facilities that this is prohibited under federal law and regulation, specifically regulations found at 42 CFR 483.12 pertaining to residents' freedom from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. CMS directs residents or their families who have experienced such seizures to refer complaints to state survey agencies and Attorneys General.
CMS Issues New Guidance on Resuming Non-COVID Health Care Activities
On June 9, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a new set of recommendations for states and localities that meet federal Phase 2 reopening criteria to assist in re-opening facilities and providing non-emergent, non-COVID-19 health care. The recommendations focus on optimization of telehealth and telemedicine services, creation of non-COVID care zones within facilities that require screening for COVID-19 symptoms prior to patients entering those zones, regular COVID-19 testing for certain patients and staff, and other areas. This guidance is largely consistent with previously released guidance on this topic.
ACL Releases Draft Strategic Framework for States on Community-Based Service Integration
On June 10, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) released a draft strategic framework for states to support integrating services and improving outcomes for older adults and individuals with disabilities. The comment period for this plan is open through August 31, 2020.
The framework is aimed at addressing the holistic needs of these populations and supporting partnerships across health care and social service organizations. ACL identified specific questions it is seeking state input on.
CMS releases updated Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System (T-MSIS) data quality standing of states
Yesterday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released updated information on the progress of each states Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System (T-MSIS) data quality based on a set of measures and benchmark comparisons for all states grouped into T-MSIS Priority Items (TPI) on Medicaid.gov.
These updated standings help to inform states of their current standing in data quality as compared to other states, to help inform them of resource investments needed to improve the quality of T MSIS data submitted to CMS.
CMS Administrator Verma Calls for Permanent Expansion of Telehealth Access after COVID-19. Will States Follow Suit?
During a live virtual event yesterday with STAT News, CMS Administrator Seema Verma expressed support for permanently expanding access to telehealth services after the COVID-19 public health emergency resolves. As we discussed in a series of posts in April and May, the federal government and multiple states took swift action in response to the COVID-19 emergency to increase access to telehealth.
The steps taken included temporary executive and regulatory orders, emergency legislation, and sub-regulatory guidance, which resulted in expanded reimbursement by private and public payors, easing of professional licensing requirements, and waiver of certain technical requirements to allow for the use of different types of technology. Read More from the National Review Here.
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Reminder, Please Consider
Supporting
This Important Campaign
Please don't forget that CareForNC is launching a COVID-19 #FacesOfTheFrontline campaign during May and June. We work amongst healthcare warriors every day in our field and we're asking you to send in photos and short videos we can share to help our state and communities see the many faces of frontline workers!
These images will be used in our CareForNC campaign #FacesOfTheFrontline. Make sure you sign up to receive our #CareForNC posts and on our Facebook page so your agencies can repost the CareForNC posts! Be sure to use one or all the hashtags listed below on your agency posts.
- #FacesoftheFrontlines
- #NCHeroes
- #CareforNC
- #TogetherOnTheFrontLine
If you do not have a google account to use the Google drive, you can email your pictures and videos to
carefornc@gmail.com.
Many video attachments may be too large to send via email. In that case, please upload your videos to YouTube privately, Dropbox, or use WeTransfer and send a link to the CareForNC email so we can download the file. Be sure to include:
- Your Name
- Organization Name
- County or Counties You Serve
- Email
- Description of Content
- Any Additional Information
Below are some links to provide you additional information to help you create your own #FacesOfTheFronline posts and for video and picture submissions to CareForNC.
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Thursday: June 18, 2020
Medicaid Policy Stakeholder Meeting - Draft CCP 8A & 8C Policy Changes (Outpatient Services)
Time: 11:00 am thru 12:30 pm
Conference ID:
859 795 811#
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New: Friday: June 19, 2020
Benchmarks' Friday Membership Webinar
Time: 8:30 am thru 9:30 am
Meeting ID: 626 815 379
Password: 081879
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,626815379# US (Chicago)
+19292056099,,626815379# US (New York)
Note: Benchmarks' will NOT be holding our Thursday 8:00 am Child Welfare Webinar this week.
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Friday: June 19, 2020
Medicaid Policy Stakeholders Meeting - Draft Opioid Treatment Services Policy Changes
Time: 11:00 am thru 12:30 pm
Conference ID:
497 551 158#
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New: Wednesday: June 24, 2020
Child Welfare Agencies and Captives
Time: 3:00 pm thru 4:00 pm
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Thursday: June 25, 2020
Adapting Community Inclusion to Circumstances of 2020
Time: 2:00 pm thru 3:30 pm
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Wednesday, July 1, 2020
Ongoing Staff Development in Disability Services
Time: 2:00 pm EST
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Monday: July 20, 2020
Meeting number: 730 385 489
You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number. Or, join by phone: 1-650-479-3207 Access code: 730 385 489
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Please click on each of the following links to view details sent out from each LME/MCO.
Benchmarks' wants to be sure to make the following list handy for our members to visit and suggests a peek at least once per week to find information that may be pertinent to your agency and contracts.
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