MDHHS Extends LOCD Flexibilities Through the PHE (SNF/AL)

On Monday October 18, the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) released L-Letter 21-66, extending previous flexibilities related to the completion of existing Level of Care Determination (LOCD) for beneficiaries receiving services from Medicaid-certified nursing facilities and MI Choice providers. 

According to L 21-36, MI Choice HCBS Waiver programs are required to conduct LOCDs on all beneficiaries on or prior to the end date of the current LOCD record. MI Choice HCBS Waiver facility providers should review carefully L 21-57 and L 21-36 for eligibility information.

If an existing eligible LOCD is available in the Community Health Automated Medicaid Processing System (CHAMPS) for an admitted beneficiary to a nursing facility, providers must not complete another LOCD throughout the duration of the Public Health Emergency (PHE). A beneficiary must meet LOCD Doors 1-8 and all other program requirements for nursing facility admission or enrollment. Any beneficiary with an LOCD Door 0 indicated will be inactivated in CHAMPS monthly, with the most previous eligible LOCD reactivated. 

As you receive new referrals for nursing facility admissions, check CHAMPS for an existing LOCD prior to completing & submitting a new LOCD.