Virginia EVV Update – The News Home Care Agencies Need to Know
Many home care agencies operating in the United States are required to use Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) for billing Medicaid as per the 21st Century CURES Act.
While many states have already provided an exemption to implement EVV until after January 1st, 2021, under the Good Faith Effort Exemption Request, Virginia’s EVV deadline has only been extended from April 1, 2020, to September 1, 2020.
Home care organizations in Virginia need to implement EVV to get Medicaid benefits including reimbursement against the delivered care services before the September 1, 2020 deadline.
The Program Director of DMAS (Department of Medical Assistance Services) of Virginia approved the new deadline after the state’s emergency declaration.
As per the official statement by Tim Catherman (DMAS), “DMAS will continue to pay all the claims of home care agencies regardless of the electronic visit verification data on claims until August 31, 2020.”
Agencies need to comply with state rules and implement EVV to reach compliance with the state’s regulations, and the ones failing to comply until the deadline would be entitled to FMAP deductions.
As Virginia has an “Open Model”, home care agencies can choose the EVV Provider of their choice. CareSmartz360 offers EVV compliance to agencies in Virginia and other states and helps them to be compliant with the state rules.
Home care agencies in Virginia need to spare enough time for training and testing the home care management software before September 1, 2020. We suggest agencies in every state to get the latest and authentic information regarding Electronic Visit Verification and implementing the best home care software by contacting us.
Since Virginia and other states continue to monitor and alter the regulations for electronic visit verification, and other aspects associated with home care, Caresmartz will keep you updated regarding the latest news through our home care blog.
Contact us for further information related to EVV, compliance, and software for home care agencies in Virginia.
What is the New EVV Deadline in Virginia?
As per the latest updates, Virginia’s Department of Medical Assistance (DMAS) was granted a Good Faith Effort Exemption from the CMS which extended the deadline to September 1, 2020.
What’s the transition period for complying with the EVV mandate?
DMAS has offered an extended transition period from October 1, 2019, to August 31, 2020, that will allow home care service providers additional time to comply.
During this period, the agency will continue to be reimbursed regardless of the availability of the EVV information.
Agencies will require EVV data for claims submitted on or after September 1, 2020, and claims will be rejected if the agency isn’t EVV compliant.
Who All Are Impacted?
Electric Visit Verification is required for all agencies delivering personal care services in Virginia as well as the ones delivering home health services.
Here’s what is required:
- Agency must verify delivery of services through an EVV system that can store key data for clock-in & clock-out along with total hours of care delivery.
- Agency must submit their claims through the vendor’s system to ensure that delivered services are compliant with prior authorizations.
Which EVV Solution can an Agency choose in Virginia?
Virginia, being an Open Model state, has a provider-choice approach. Home care agencies can choose any EVV solution that best meets their exact requirements. However, the selected EVV solution must collect all data elements as per the specifications in the 21st Century Cures Act.
What if I have Contracted with the MCO?
You can continue to use your current EVV vendor as far as it is compliant with the state and collects key EVV data.
Are there any Penalties?
If a home care agency fails to comply with the rules and regulations, they are subject to denial of their claims and can further lead to termination from the Virginia Medicaid Program.
If a provider fails to comply with these rules, they are subject to denial or non-payment of claims, sanctions, fines, and suspension, or termination from the Virginia Medicaid program.
What Should I do Next?
You can choose a reliable home care management software that offers EVV compliance per the 21st Century Cures Act.
CareSmartz360 is compliant with Virginia’s EVV Mandate and agencies can enhance operational efficiency & revenues through a cloud-based HIPAA compliant software solution. Contact us to get compliant in Virginia before the deadline.
Related blog posts:
How to Implement EVV in States with Exemption under Good Faith Efforts?How the EVV Good Faith Effort Exemption Impacts Home Care Agencies?