Preparing for the PHE Ending and Policy Changes (SNF/AL)

The Public Health Emergency (PHE) is currently scheduled to end April 16, 2022. Per AHCA it is anticipated that the PHE will be extended by the federal government for at least another 90-days and another extension is possible. With the pending eventual end to the PHE MDHHS issued the notice below regarding preparing for returning to policies that were waived or not enforced during the PHE.

HCAM is the process of compiling a summary of the policies and other processes that will be impacted by the ending of the PHE when it occurs. For example: Medicare is currently not requiring a 3-day hospital stay for a nursing facility resident to access their SNF benefits. That policy is tied directly to the PHE. Medicaid has issued policy regarding the use of nursing facility beds which is also connected to the PHE. Once the summary of changes is compiled HCAM will share with members.

Following is the notice sent by MDHHS to all Medicaid providers.

All Providers,

On January 14, 2022, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) renewed the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) as a result of the continued consequences of the Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued many COVID-19 Response Medicaid Policy Bulletins and L-Letters which changed existing policy and processes under the guidance of the federal PHE. Many COVID-19 Response policy bulletins and L-Letters are intended to be time-limited, and MDHHS will notify providers of their termination.

In preparation for the end of the PHE we encourage providers to take the following steps:

• Review the Medicaid Policy Bulletins and L-Letters webpages to see which policies or L-letters may impact your provider type.
• Verify beneficiary eligibility prior to services. Visit the Eligibility and Enrollment webpage for step-by-step instructions.
• Help beneficiaries verify or update their contact information in MIBridges. Those who are unable to update their information in MIBridges can contact the Beneficiary Help Line at 1-800-642-3195 (TTY: 1-866-501-5656).

For additional questions, please contact Provider Support at [email protected] or 1-800-292-2550.