WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 13, 2019)—On Aug. 8, 2019, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released additional guidance on the applicability of electronic visit verification (EVV) requirements for Medicaid-funded personal care and home health services, which are set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2020. The guidance, issued in a “frequently asked questions” format, includes this:
[Question:] Do EVV requirements apply to the component of home health services authorizing the provision of medical supplies, equipment or appliances?
[Answer:] No, EVV requirements do not apply to this component of the home health benefit. The delivery, set-up, and/or instruction on the use of medical supplies, equipment or appliances do not constitute an “in-home visit.”
This guidance will keep HME suppliers from having to incorporate yet another regulatory requirement to verify deliveries of equipment and supplies, preventing what would have been a very costly and time-consuming burden for the industry had it been applied to HME.
The issue first came to AAHomecare’s attention when the state of Minnesota issued guidance that this requirement would apply to HME. The Association followed up with CMS to clarify the issue and educated Agency staff on the significant differences between home-health visits and equipment delivery/set-up, as well as explaining Congressional intent in the 2016 Cures Act, which is the basis for the EVV requirements.
CMS's new guidance document, which also covers home-health issues related to the presence of caregivers, home vs. community-based care, and the use of web-based electronic time sheets, can be found here.
